LAD #16

The mid-1800s were a volatile and crucial time period in American History.  At the center of the conflict was the issue of slavery.  One of the leading abolitionist was Frederick Douglas, who was a runaway slave. On Independence Day in 1852 Douglas issued a speech questioning the importance of the Declaration of Independence as it does not apply to blacks.  He says he wishes he knew why it did not apply to those of his race, but says he does not have an answer.  He also says that his freedom does not do as much for him as one might think because he is still burdened by the fact that many are still enslaved.  He also says that they need to remember those who could not gain their freedom.  Douglas then says that the nation is in great upheaval and that it has never been darker.

He continues by saying that all the reasons for slavery are shameful to America.  He says that blacks are equal to whites and they are capable and have held the same jobs as them and believe in God as well.  He describes several other cruelties of slavery and leads up to his key question of what is the Fourth of July to a slave?
He says that for a slave it is a mockery and a reminder of the injustices and deprivations of freedoms.  Douglas concludes his speech by saying that slavery makes America one of the most Hypocritical nations in the world.