
We believe that Frederick Douglas’ keynote address at the Independence Day on July 5, 1852, is among the best of litany about the profound discussions of the Black man’s struggle for equality and justice in America.
His speech, given at an event commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence, was held at the Corinthian Hall Rochester, New York. It was a scathing speech in which Douglass stated, “This Fourth of July is yours, not mine, You may rejoice, I must mourn.”
“What to the slave is the Fourth of July?”
Fellow Citizens, I am not wanting in respect for the fathers of this republic. The signers of the Declaration of Independence were brave men. They were great men, too Ñ great enough to give frame to a great age. It does not often happen to a nation to raise, at one time, such a number of truly great men. The point from which I am compelled to view them is not, certainly, the most favorable; and yet I cannot contemplate their great deeds with less than admiration. They were statesmen, patriots and heroes, and for the good they did, and the principles they contended for, I will unite with you to honor their memory….
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