Reading Fredrick Douglass In The Commons Rescheduled To July 9

BOSTON, MA — Twenty communities in Massachusetts will take part in readings of Frederick Douglass’ speech, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” this summer.

The Boston Common location just rescheduled their event for July 9, due to expected rain.

Anyone is invited to get together at libraries, town squares, museums or online forums organized to read parts of Douglass' 1852 speech together until they have completed his powerful words.

The tradition of sharing the reading of the speech began in African American communities and continues to grow nationally.

After escaping from slavery in 1838, Douglass found freedom in New Bedford, living in Massachusetts for many years. He delivered his Fourth of July speech on July 5, 1852 in Rochester, New York.

“The words of Frederick Douglass continue to resonate as we confront systemic racism and the legacy of slavery,” said Brian Boyles, Executive Director of Mass Humanities. “As we witness new efforts to remove the history of slavery from classrooms and public memory, it is an honor to partner with these communities as they make the courageous decision to reckon with our past.”

The following communities will be hosting this years events: Amherst, Boston, Dorchester, East Falmouth, Jamaica Plain, Marion, Milton, Newburyport, Newton, New Bedford, Northampton, Norwood, Oak Bluffs, Plainfield, Sharon, Somerville (two events), Swampscott, and Worcester.

The full list of locations can be found here.