LAD #16: Frederick Douglass' "5th of July" speech

Douglass' "5th of July" speech is regarding the injustice of slavery in America, "The Home of the Free" ,especially on the 4th of July. He expresses his disbelief that a civilized nation such as the United States has committed so many crimes on such an unfair basis.

He begins with his belief that the Fourth of July is for white man, and that the holiday celebrating independence is mocking him. He addresses the issue of American slavery, and how he, "hear(s) the mournful wail of millions!" on this day. He then denounces slavery as hideous and revolting, and strongly speaks out against it.

Next, he proclaims that African Americans are equal, and that there are lawyers, doctors, ministers, etc. among them. He believes it is utterly wrong to rob men of their liberty, work them without wages, beat them with sticks, and many other things. He does not think that he should even have to prove that the institution of slavery is wrong.

To the American slave, the Fourth of July is a reminder of the injustice he faces every day. He does not partake in the celebrations because it seems to him as a cover up for the crime of slavery by the nation. Douglass remarks that there is not another nation on earth that is committing more shocking and bloody than the people of the United States are every day.