Community Reading Of Frederick Douglass – July 4 – South Amherst Common
Your high independence only reveals the immeasurable distance between us. The blessings in which you, this day, rejoice, are not enjoyed in common. The rich inheritance of justice, liberty, prosperity, and independence, bequeathed by your fathers, is shared by you, not by me. Fredrick Douglas, 1852
The South Congregational Church in Amherst, will host a public reading and discussion of Frederick Douglass’s famous “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” speech on July 4 at 3 p.m. The event is supported by a grant from Mass Humanities.
The event will take place at the South Town Common. UMass Professor of Afro-American Studies Amilcar Shabazz will introduce and lead a discussion of the speech. The participants will be members from the community, reading 1-2 paragraphs of the speech that was first heard on July 5, 1852, when abolitionist and orator Frederick Douglass gave the keynote address at an Independence Day celebration held at Corinthian Hall in Rochester, New York.
Most often held a day later than the traditional July 4 Independence day celebrations, the readings commemorate the anniversary of the July 5 speech. However, many yearly participants recognize the Frederick Douglass commemoration as an alternative to the July 4 celebrations taking part instead in the dramatic reading to remind the nation what we have yet to achieve.
The speech was originally delivered at a moment when the country was locked in debate over the question of slavery. For many Americans, the Douglass speech still holds meaning especially following the racial justice awakening of 2020 after the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and others.
“Sadly, this speech is still very relevant. Change the word ‘slavery’ to ‘anti-Black police violence’ or ‘mass incarceration or ‘voter suppression’ and Douglass could give it today,” said Bruce Penniman, a member of the South Congregational Church Council.
Some parts of the speech will be presented in Spanish and Mfantse, a dialect of Akan spoken in Ghana and other parts of West Africa, as well as other languages. The organizers will provide refreshments and water for the event and the Amherst Area Gospel Choir will perform.
“Over the past several years, members of South Church have been engaged in book groups, discussions, and civic engagement work related to social justice,” said Penniman. “The Frederick Douglass reading is a great opportunity to engage with the larger community as we continue our efforts to become an anti-racist congregation.”
This is the sixth year of the reading in Amherst, and the first time the event will be held in person since the pandemic. Last year Amherst readers organized remotely for a live event with local speakers ranging from youth leaders to town council members.
Here’s how you can participate:
Volunteer to read 1-2 paragraphs of the speech: Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/IreadFD by June 25 (some parts will be presented in Spanish and other languages if readers are available). Register to attend the reading (to receive event notices): Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/RFDT21
Questions? Want to help with publicity? Contact Bruce Penniman at penniman@umass.edu