Frederick Douglass' July Fourth address offers lessons for 2024

Independence Day draws crowds of Massachusetts residents to honor one of our American heroes, Frederick Douglass, with a reading of his famous address, " What, to the Slave, is the Fourth of July? ".

Why it matters: In Douglass' address, delivered July 5, 1852, locals look beyond the fireworks and examine the flaws in the nation's founding, chiefly slavery and systemic racism.

Zoom in: Douglass expressed his unwillingness to participate in a show of unity with people who didn't support equality for everyone, including enslaved people, says Steven Flythe, who works for the city of Somerville and organized a reading with the Somerville Museum last week .

• "Instinctively, we know when we are harming someone... and that's what slavery was."
• And we're still dealing with the impact of slavery's legacy, he added. "That's the call to action, that it's not over."

Between the lines: Some reading Douglass' address said they felt ashamed of being American in 2024, at a time when people of color and LGBTQ+ communities remain under attack.

• The reading came hours before the debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.

Yes, but: Volunteers urged locals not only to focus on their shame but Douglass' hope.

• He wrote, "notwithstanding the dark picture I have this day presented, of the state of the nation, I do not despair of this country. There are forces in operation, which must inevitably work the downfall of slavery."

Similarly, locals can channel their shame and outrage into pushing for change in their communities, says Laidy Saenz, the Somerville Museum's assistant director.

• It could be as simple as listening to people share their experiences with oppression or as involved as joining a local advocacy group, Saenz says.

What's next: Boston Harborfest hosts its own reading of Douglass' speech.

• When: 1:30pm, Thursday

Where: Franklin Steps, Downtown Crossing