LAD/Blog #17: Frederick Douglass' "5th of July" speech


LAD/Blog #17: Frederick Douglass' "5th of July" speech:


Frederick Douglass was an escaped slave who, on July 5th, gave a speech: "The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro." His speech was presented on the day after American Independence day, and is a reflection on if America truly embraces freedom. Douglass starts with acknowledging the Founding Father's of America, yet then questions "Are the great principles of political freedom and natural justice...extended to [slaves]?" Clearly, Fredrick Douglass believes America has fallen short with their guarantee of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" with continuing the institution of slavery. Douglass emphasizes this fact, saying that while Americans are celebrating July 4th, others are trapped as a slave, something no one can justify. He says slaves are men, and aren't men entitled to liberty? Therefore, Douglass ends by saying his belief that abolitionist movements will eventually crush slavery, finishing with William Lloyd Garrison's poem that highlights the fight for slavery, despite any dangers. 
Like Douglass, Martin Luther King Jr. advocated for the end of injustices against African Americans. He too believed the people would be able to unite and overcome the grave wrongs which society has done to blacks.

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