The Meaning of the Fourth of July for the Negro
Reading Frederick Douglass

On July 5, 1852 (before the Civil War) Frederick Douglass, a former slave and leading abolitionist, stunned his hosts in Rochester, New York at an event commemorating Independence Day: "Fellow citizens, why am I called upon to speak here today? What have I, or those I represent, to do with your national independence? Do you mean, citizens, to mock me, by asking me to speak today? What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July?" Certainly not freedom in 1852.

Varnum Memorial Library and Cambridge Historical Society invite Lamoille Residents to read Frederick Douglass’ fiery speech together on July 2 at 7:00 p.m. at the Cambridge Historical Society in Jeffersonville. Community members are invited to read a paragraph in the communal reading.

Discussion will follow led by Bob Walsh, author of The Other America: the African American Experience; and Through White Eyes: Color and Racism in Vermont and Hal Colston, Vermont’s Man of the Year.

By hosting such events during the celebration of our nation’s freedom from Great Britain’s abuse and tyranny, we evoke thought and discussion about race and citizenship now, 150 years later. Our attention could not be more timely in light of recent events in America.

Varnum Memorial Library, Cambridge Historical Society, Vermont Humanities Council, and Community Change Inc. join in this statewide effort. For more information, visit www.thevarnum.org or contact Donna Rooney: auntdonnaroo@gmail.com; 730-4655.

Event: Thursday, July 2 at 7:00 p.m. at Cambridge Historical Society’s Warner Lodge,
49 School St., Jeffersonville.

Light refreshments