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

Frederick Douglass gave a speech in Rochester discussing the imporatance and meaning behind Independence day. Questioning the true freedom and liberty that is brought to citizens because of this day. Stating that black americans do not get to experience the same joy and freedom that white americans do on Independence day. Further adding that it merely mocks blacks of their lack of rights. Douglass then denounces slavery in the name of humanity, the Bible, and Constitution as the greatest sin in all America. He then says  "I will not equivocate; I will not excuse"; I will use the severest language I can command; and yet not one word shall escape me that any man, whose judgment is not blinded by prejudice, or who is not at heart a slaveholder, shall not confess to be right and just." Closing that the Fourth of July to a slave is injust and that this celebration of nationalism is a cover to hide the despictable crimes of the country. However, Douglas hopes that America will one day outlaw slavery because of its democratic principles.