What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?

A young portrait of Frederick Douglass.

Public domain

Celebrate Independence Day on the Fifth of July

Saturday, July 5th, 2025
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Celebrate Independence Day with the National Park Service at Frederick Douglass National Historic Site’s annual event, What to the Slave is the Fourth of July? Hear recitations by the winners of the Frederick Douglass Oratorical Contest, learn about the history of the speech, tour Cedar Hill, and participate in a public reading of the speech!

This event is free of charge and does not require registration.

Schedule of Activities:

11:00 am
Recitation of excerpts of the speech by winners of the 2024 Frederick Douglass Oratorical Contest.

11:30 am
Ranger Talk on the history of the speech

12:00 pm
Public Reading of the entire speech and House Tours begin

 

An article from the Washington Post Newspaper featuring acclaimed actor James Earl Jones delivering Frederick Douglass's "What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?" speech at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site on July 4, 1973. An estimated 500 people were in attendance.

NPS

Background

In 1852, during a presidential election year and the 25th anniversary of New York’s abolition of slavery, Frederick Douglass was invited by the Rochester Ladies’ Anti-Slavery Sewing Society to deliver an address in recognition of Independence Day. Douglass agreed to speak, but requested that the event be held on July 5th instead of July 4th. At the time, he was in his thirties, already widely known as a powerful orator, abolitionist, and advocate for justice. Speaking at Corinthian Hall in Rochester, New York, Douglass delivered what would become one of his most enduring speeches, What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?. In it, he highlighted the contradiction between the nation’s founding ideals and the continued existence of slavery, while also expressing hope that the Constitution could serve as a foundation for equal liberty.

 

The original Handbill Invitation

Courtesy of University of Michigan, Rochester Ladies Anti-Slavery Society Papers, 1848-1868 Collection

A Message That Endures

Douglass’s speech resonated far beyond the audience gathered that day. Drawing from his personal experience and deep conviction, he addressed not only the present, but generations to come. His words continue to inspire reflection on the meaning of freedom. For over fifty years, visitors have gathered at Cedar Hill—Douglass’s former home in Washington, D.C.—to commemorate this historic address through public readings and interpretive programs. On July 5, 2025, this tradition will continue, bringing Douglass’s powerful message to life once again.