Reading Frederick Douglass on the Fourth of July
In the Berkshires, D. Caleb Smith, assistant professor of history at 鶹ý, hosted a reading and discussion of Frederick Douglass’s famous speech “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July.”
On July 4, 鶹ý Assistant Professor D. Caleb Smith introduced Frederick Douglass’ “,” providing some historical context before a public reading of the speech took place at TurnPark Art Space in West Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Afterward, Smith facilitated a discussion of the speech, exploring its main themes and contemporary relevance.
“Reading his speech brings more realization to what this day means, especially what it means to the racial minority,” Smith said to The Berkshire Edge. “To me, this speech is important because it calls for awareness in terms of abolition, and it also critiques how Americans think of and remember the Fourth of July. One of the most significant things that we, as contemporary historians, can do is challenge public memory regarding celebrations, including monuments, and how we perceive them in a contemporary context. I think that the reading of Frederick Douglass’ work comes at a vital time in America because democracy is in shambles. We have valuable lessons to be learned from this speech.”
Smith also noted that, while Douglass was critical of slavery and the state of America in his 1852 speech, he still offered a path forward. “His speech honored the abolitionist movement,” Smith said. “We are constantly interpreting the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the ideals of the founding fathers versus the actuality of what rights are supposed to mean today. Douglass gave a lot of harsh criticism, but he also gave hope. I think that’s the one thing that we could benefit from now is optimism, especially considering the dark period of history that we are in now.”
Mass Humanities held the reading in conjunction with the Du Bois Freedom Center, the West Stockbridge Historical Society and West Stockbridge resident, composer and event co-organizer Eric Shimelonis. Mass Humanities has presented the event, Reading Frederick Douglass Together, at 50 different locations throughout the state.
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