3rd annual Fredrick Douglass Reading event held at Springfield City Hall

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – This Fourth of July, community members gathered at Springfield City Hall to honor the powerful words of Frederick Douglass.

The Youth from MLK Jr Family Services After School Program and Take The Mic Public Speaking joined forces to recite Douglass’s 1852 speech, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July.” It highlights the irony of America celebrating its freedom while hundreds of African Americans were still enslaved and in bondage. Organizers spoke to 22News about the importance of recognizing and reflecting on this part of American history.

“We need to know what happened in the past so that we don’t repeat it again,” said Michelle McComb. “We can only correct the past and make the future better if we remember what we did wrong.”

“This speech gives us this amazing way to stand shoulder to shoulder with our neighbors, with strangers, and say, yes, this country has work to do and we’re here to do it,” added Executive Director of Mass Humanities, Brian Boyles.

Mass Humanities provided $2,000 to support this intiative. Thursday night also featured local artists singing songs as well poetry recital and a theatrical performance by Pahmusa The Pan African Historical Museum.

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