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Fredrick Douglass 'Speech What To The Slave Is The Fourth Of July'

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Fredrick Douglass was an abolitionist, civil right activist, orator and journalist who fought for the equality of African Americans. In the speech What to the Slave is the Fourth of July”, he discusses the meaning of the fourth of July to America’s black population which are mostly slaves. I am going to discuss and explore two points that were given in his speech that I agree with. The first one is that Douglass feels that people who are still enslaved cannot celebrate a holiday that boasts of freedom and independence. Secondly, he also condemns the church for not speaking out against slavery.
On July 5th, 1852 Douglass delivered an oration at Corinthian Hall in Rochester, New York. There were 500 attendees some of which were slave owners,presidents, politicians, and abolitionists. He commemorated the signing of the declaration of independence yet discussed the real meaning of slavery and its effects Douglass asserts his agreement with the actions of founders and embraces the principles of the Revolution to create a bond with his audience and to reassure them that, to some degree at least, he participates in the American political tradition Although most of the audience was …show more content…

People who are still enslaved should not celebrate the white man's freedom. Since they are not free they cannot rejoice in festivities not designed for them. He feels the fact that there is a declaration of independence just proves there is no equal justice for all. There was no liberty for all. Douglass stated, “This fourth July is yours, not mines. You may rejoice, I must mourn” (15). Douglass used his own ethical power to speak on the issue of slavery by describing his own experiences, He established himself as a reliable witness with first-hand information. Douglass offers a strong example of the ways in which America is false to the ideals it has set for itself. The Declaration of the independence

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