Reading Frederick Douglass: "The Meaning of the Fourth of July for the Negro"
Join fellow community members in a participatory read-aloud of the fiery July 5, 1852, speech in which the great abolitionist orator Frederick Douglass took exception to being asked to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This annual event is sponsored by the Vermont Humanities Council at venues throughout the state. In Essex, it's being presented jointly by Essex Free Library, Deborah Rawson Memorial Library, and Brownell Library.
Douglass' speech remains emotionally powerful and thought-provoking more than a century and a half after he gave it. Its relevance today is uncanny. It causes us to think in new ways about our nation’s history, affords opportunities to open up discourse about race relations and citizenship, and raises awareness of the role slavery and race continue to play in our history and national discourse. 
Come witness and/or participate in the reading at Essex Free Library on Wednesday, July 5, at 6:30 p.m. Discussion and light refreshments to follow.
This event is FREE and open to the public.
Find more information, including a copy of the speech, at www.vermonthumanities.org      
Questions? Contact Renee Turvey at 238-9643 or Ann Paietta at 879-0313

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