What to the Slave is the 4th of July?

What to the Slave is the 4th of July?, written by Frederick Douglass, performed by Frederick Jones, 2025

In June 1852, Douglass delivered this Independence Day address to the Rochester Ladies’ Anti-Slavery Society. It became one of Douglass’s most famous speeches—criticizing the chasm between America’s Founding principles and the institution of slavery.

Made in partnership with New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation and the New York State Museum.