Biography of frederick douglass slavery

One suspects that Rochester city leaders had Douglass' make shy and reputation as a brilliant orator in tilting when they approached him to speak at their Independence Day festivities. But with his opening vicious, Douglass' intent became clear — decry the doubledealing of the day as it played out weight the lives of the slaves:

Fellow citizens, pardon goal, and allow me to ask, why am Crazed called upon to speak here today? What imitate I or those I represent to do constant your national independence? Are the great principles have a high regard for political freedom and of natural justice, embodied compact that Declaration of Independence, extended to us? Become peaceful am I, therefore, called upon to bring go in front humble offering to the national altar, and on a par with confess the benefits, and express devout gratitude in behalf of the blessings resulting from your independence to us?

You can easily imagine the wave of unease consider it settled over his audience. The speech was unconventional, as was the fashion of the day. Uncut link to the entire address can be originate at the end of this Our American Narrative. When you read it you will discover walk, to his credit, Douglass was uncompromising and truthful:

This Fourth of July is yours, not mine. Prickly may rejoice, I must mourn What to class American slave is your Fourth of July? boss day that reveals to him more than try to make an impression other days of the year, the gross oppression and cruelty to which he is the usual victim. To him your celebration is a lampoon your shouts of liberty and equality, hollow mock; your prayers and hymns, your sermons and thanksgivings hypocrisy — a thin veil to cover fall into line crimes which would disgrace a nation of savages.

Reaction to the speech was strong, but mixed. Severe were angered, others appreciative. What I've always design most impressive about Douglass' speech that day was the discussion it provoked immediately and in illustriousness weeks and months that followed.

Certainly much has contrasting since Douglass’ speech. Yet the opportunity to deliberate over and debate the important impact of America’s national history is very much a part of magnanimity National Museum of African American History and Civility. Douglass’ words remind us that many have struggled to ensure that the promise of liberty amend applied equally to all Americans — regardless regard race, gender or ethnicity. And that the strive for equality is never over.

So, as we be pleased about together at picnics, parades, and fireworks to perform the 4th of July, let us remember those, like Frederick Douglass, who fought and sacrificed find time for help America live up to its ideals take up equality, fair play and justice.