In 1852, Frederick Douglass, one of our nation’s greatest orators and abolitionists, was asked to speak at an event commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In his provocative speech, Douglass said, “This Fourth of July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn.” And he asked, “Do you mean, citizens, to mock me, by asking me to speak to-day?” Douglass’s speech remains emotionally powerful and thought-provoking more than a century and a half after he gave it. The VT Humanities Council is supporting groups and communities statewide to organize public participatory readings of his compelling speech on or close to July 4th each year. We will be reading the medium length version of this speech which can be found on the VT Humanities Council's website in both English and Spanish.

If you would like to read a specific paragraph (if so, please think about a few options you would like) or if you just want to be more involved connect with Kyle at program@pjcvt.org or call her at (802) 863-2345 x6.

Jan 25, 2025, 4 to 8 PM

Jan 25, 8 PM to 12 AM, Jan 26, 2025

Jan 29, 2025, 3:30 to 4:30 PM