Segment from Independence Daze

What to the Slave is the Fourth of July? / Frederick Douglass and July 4th

Historian David Blight narrates a reenactment of Frederick Douglass’ 1852 speech, “The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro,” in which Douglass highlights the hypocrisy of celebrating liberty in a nation that allows slavery.

Brian, Peter, and Ed discuss how slavery and its end changed the meaning of the Declaration and the holiday, as demonstrated by Frederick Douglass’ July 4th oration.

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