Discussion Question: Week Six Readings

In 1852, when Fredrick Douglass gave his speech "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" slavery was still very much present in the United States. Most of the African-Americans were still slaves and did not gain freedom or independence because of America's "break-up" with Britain 76 years ago (in relation to Douglass' speech, not present day). As Douglass asks in his speech, why is he chosen to speak at a commemoration for the Declaration of Independence? The Declaration of Independence represents freedom, but most of the African-Americans living in the United States were far from being free. Douglass does not represent the population that reap the benefits from the United States being separated from Britain, so what makes him the right candidate to give a speech commemorating a document that does nothing for his race?

Claire, Eugene, Reem, Theodora