‘What To The Slave Is The Fourth Of July?’: Descendants Read Frederick Douglass' Speech | NPR
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 2 окт 2024
- In the summer of 2020, the U.S. commemorated Independence Day amid nationwide protests for racial justice and systemic reforms in the wake of George Floyd’s death. That June, we asked five young descendants of Frederick Douglass to read and respond to excerpts of his famous speech, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”. It's a powerful, historical text that reminds us of the ongoing work of liberation.
FEATURING (alphabetically)
Douglass Washington Morris II, 20 (he/him)
Isidore Dharma Douglass Skinner, 15 (they/them)
Zoë Douglass Skinner, 12 (she/her)
Alexa Anne Watson, 19 (she/her)
Haley Rose Watson, 17 (she/her)
You can read the full text of “What To The Slave Is The Fourth of July?” here:
teachingameric...
This video was inspired by Jennifer Crandall's documentary project "Whitman, Alabama". Visit whitmanalabama.....
------------------------------------------------------
Follow NPR elsewhere, too:
• Instagram: / npr
• Twitter: / npr
• Facebook: / npr
ABOUT NPR
NPR connects to audiences on the air, on demand, online, and in person. More than 26 million radio listeners tune in to NPR stations each week and more than 36 million unique visitors access NPR.org each month making NPR one of the most trusted sources of news and insights on life and the arts. NPR is also the leading publisher of podcasts, with 36 original shows and an average of 4 million listeners per week. NPR shares compelling stories, audio and photos with millions of social media users on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, RUclips and Snapchat; NPR News and NPR One apps, online streaming, podcasts, iTunes radio and connected car dashboards help meet audiences where they are. NPR's live events bring to the stage two-way conversations between NPR hosts and the audience in collaboration with the public radio Member Station community. This robust access to public service journalism makes NPR an indispensable resource in the media landscape.
Mr Douglass would be proud of his educated, well-spoken great-grandchildren. Beautifully done. Even years later, the message remains the same.... not much has changed, sadly. We'll done, you all 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Not much has changed eyy? Move to another country then.?
@@lemarcusbrown1708other countries have immigration laws too, it’s not as simple as just moving. And moving countries is very expensive and a lot of people (especially marginalized people) don’t have the funds to do that
@@lemarcusbrown1708 So you'd rather things be the same?
what rights do white people have that black people dont?
that child with the red flannel is the reincarnation of frederick douglass. i am in awe.
Yes. Isidore for President!
Thank you, I am a proud auntie!!
Topanga H. you’re more than welcome! just so that everyone is clear in the comments, do you feel comfortable sharing isidore’s pronouns? i’d hate for us to be unintentionally misgendering this young revolutionary.
Yes! Isidore narrated the text with passion and clarity, and then went on to answer the interviewer's question with insight and intelligence. Blew me away.
Word! Exactly what I was about to type. Holy moley! They all seem like amazing kids, but protect that one. He's going to become someone phenomenal.
What a legacy Frederick Douglass left behind for his descendents to be so concious of what he stood for. Done with such integrity. When the young man said he is 20 and exhausted, it made me realise the size of the burden our youth carry of loving concious and fighting oppression.
Thank you so much for this comment im gonna use it for an assignment now :)
@@IHATEWEEDYUCK its all trash pandering dont use it
It's bullshit. If you are a citizen. This is your country and this is your holiday too. We shouldn't forget our past but we don't have to ruin every holiday because we have a dark past
@@dominiquepopinski4675 you are 7 months late my boy and it wasn't trash I am now a billionare with 20 hellcats and 10 wives get you money up not yo funny up!
@@IHATEWEEDYUCK wishful thinking that an assignment would make you a millionaire in seven months. And 10 wives would leave question to your mind set and morals.
This speech was so passionate and so well written. Everyone in the U.S. needs to hear this.
Yes you’re correct!
In the world*
Amen
Sadly, most won't as he is exposing the "ugly side" of America that is still " inconvenient truths " most would rather not know about/forget...😔💜🕊🕊🕊
Except when it comes to cacazoid European so called American land stealing non native anywhere whites who are actually pink are talking about bad thing that happened to them by them. Bunch of hypocrites. Yes. It's the United States of hypocracy.
Brings tears to my eyes every year. So sad that some people feel so threatened by this.
Regrettably there is no need to be threatened. Seeking the common good for all should for our own sakes be a protection we a desire.
I'll bet it does! Racists come in all colors...including yours!
can you tell me one racist law or system in this country? no no wait i have one better can you tell me all the different ways blacks actually have an edge over any other race cause i can name 32
I just found out about redlining last summer. Apparently it was supported by the federal government (think it began in the 50s) to prevent African Americans from getting home loans (buying into certain neighborhoods etc.). Ever so often we catch the news story about someone looking to purchase a home, only to be informed that it's no longer available. I'm sure others can fill in the blanks where I may be inaccurate / lacking specificity. I also think that we have to objectively realize that certain segments of society were not thrilled when slavery was abolished (feelings which are still evident today). That represented a major loss in income and affected the manner in which one could suppress another for economic gain. We can’t ignore the resulting consequences of Jim Crow laws (e.g. Provision of evidence of a grandfather voting prior to being able to vote). So if you're suggesting that laws don't change hearts, I agree.
@@skeetlejuice522 lol the fact that you say “blacks” indicate your racial prejudice.
Douglas was one of the great American thinkers and has never received the credit he deserves. Douglas served as the moral conscience of this country for many many years. Would love to see his work celebrated more than it is.
Hoder Harris I believe this should be RECITED AT RUSHMORE... 7/4/2020 due to its continued Relevance
@Lucien Studio - They were speaking their ancestor's words. Your "what about" is kind of like saying "All Lives Matter". Yes, slavery of other peoples existed and does so today in some places. But appreciate this.
Lucien Studio what about them?
Erick Urias You have American capitalism to blame for that. There is no commodification of the message of Douglass, that is why you can’t get it in iTunes. Why? Because it will make white folk drop the latte and start thinking deeper about their country.
and the sky is green
How great. Move over Daughters of the Confederacy --- it's far time we heard from the Sons and Daughters of Douglass.
Ce JMJ
Plenty of room to hear both it doesn’t have to be either or
@@richardrisner3635 No thank you. We aren't interested in what the daughter's of the confederacy have to say.......about anything. We are still dealing with their lies today.
Frederick Douglas overwhelmingly love this country and celebrated.
@Floyd George OK Biff, say hello to your wife Karen for us.😉
Frederick Douglass is one of the greatest thinkers and human rights activists.
@FactsOverFeelings Matter I highly doubt that.
Skankhunt36
I agree. You people are dumb af, of course he’d support it
@FactsOverFeelings Matter ruclips.net/video/n8lQCpgd0wk/видео.html
At this link, you will hear what Frederick Douglass felt about the 4th of July and the American condition.
9xprincess 💪🏻
Dr. Brendan Maloney
White guilt is for beta simps like you.
His words came alive for me, when read by his great great grandchildren. I have chills. This speech is as timely today as it was then.
Alexa Anne looks like Frederick. She has his eyes. Hailey Rose is so poise and graceful. This was a joy to watch.
I bet they all have little tings in their voice and habits that he had. They’re like living time machines as human beings in a way
LaT How, how do you know what Frederick Douglass's eyes look like?
Ow yeah cause all the photos were black and white😂
@@Danymok I mean, there are pictures of him.
His eyes look like they've been drug down and placed across the street, cause that's what happened to his statue
One of the best places to visit in DC is Frederick Douglass’ home.
Agree. Cedar Hill was the 1st place I visited in DC. Walked over the Anacostia on his b-day, and sat beside his shack on the side of his house for hours. Reflecting. Eating. They have a pleasing celebration on his b-day each year.
Great place to visit. Hope they re-open soon.
Bruce Miller also he is buried here in Rochester NY. The cemetery is a historic one and they do tours.
Damn i love going to DC and didn't know about it. Will visit next time I'm in DC
I worked in the DC area sometime during the 1988-89 time period, and I visited DC once or twice during my TDY while I worked for Wyle Laboratories (now NTS). We were researching the idea of the Space Station, i.e., the International Space Station! I was only there for about 3 months, but I was there during the Spring to see the Cherry Bloosoms! There is more to my trip though which included a visit to the National Archives...
The next time I am in DC, I will try to visit Frederick Douglass’ home!
@Dra O Where'd you get this from?
You forgot the rest of Frederick Douglass' Speech, O descendants of his: “Allow me to say, in conclusion, 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. ‘The arm of the Lord is not shortened,’ and the doom of slavery is certain. I, therefore, leave off where I began, with hope. While drawing encouragement from ‘the Declaration of Independence,’ the great principles it contains, and the genius of American Institutions, my spirit is also cheered by the obvious tendencies of the age.”
Naw. We are despaired now. That’s the point. The man is long dead his words fell on deaf ears and will again
The very last child shared that portion of the speech... Did you overlook that? As well, the hope he felt and that many of us today still feel doesn’t negate the resounding truth of everything else that he said, that is still so very relevant today.
It's an exert from his speech
@@margaretbrocke2257 “Let us realize the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” - Just remember human history is long, you may not get to eat from the harvest but someone you love will so do the work.
He obviously did not know the Bible. Jesus was not a social reformer. He instructed owners to treat their slaves with respect. He never condemned owning slaves. He also addressed the behavior of slaves. Ignorance is a dangerous thing!
What a great idea to have his descendants speak his words of wisdom.
I have this speech in it's entirety. I read it on July 4th. Everyone should.
Also Juneteenth should be included along with this in all our schools when Black history is taught. There is so much left out. These are parts of history I have sought out for myself as it was not taught when I was in school. Now I am 61 years old.
This made my eyes swell with tears, especially the 20 year old young man
Same, I have heard the same from quite a lot of other who fought for freedom & equality, they were, are simply tired, smh...😔
"change is possible, change is probable, and there is hope." thank you... this was beautiful
WE HAVE HAD BLACK PILOTS,BLACK SEA CAPTAINS,BLACK PRESIDENT.SO, THE WHOLE PIE DOES NOT =1 SLICE.
The words of Frederick Douglass are as powerful and relevant today as they were over 100 years ago.
Looks like they tore his statue down too
@@AntonioEligius who's they?
@@dgodrummer8110 protestors who else
@@DrLuke49 Nope look it up... people who were mad at protesters. I wonder who they were....?
@@shaygibs5114 Why would people who are mad at protesters tear down statues? Makes no sense idiot. Ignorant people like you shouldn't be commenting at all cause all you say are lies
Isidore Dharma Douglass Skinner, you are a treasure. Frederick Douglass' words JUMP off the page when you speak them; the persona of Frederick Douglass himself comes ALIVE in your measured but PASSIONATE oratory. You have been blessed with wonderful intellectual gifts- please continue to share them with the world!
I was just about to say that. That child speaks with such conviction and power. There’s something shaking about hearing these words spoken by people who actually have his DNA … it hits differently.
came here to say exactly this
What I love so much about this video is, not only these kids’ powerful and heartfelt recitation of their great ancestor’s words, but their own addition to them from their own experiences and perceptions. For this above all, Frederick would be so proud of his descendants.
The heartbreaking thing is that it still makes sense today, and it's also exhilarating to hear the brave truth. We must consider this deep and terrible wound in our country's past-if we are to heal, we must be honest without flinching.
Allow me to say in conclusion, notwithstanding the dark picture I have this day presented, of the state of the nation, I do not despair of this country.
Frederick Douglass
More upvotes here please.
Hear HEAR!
WOW! Kudos to the parents who raised his articulate, analytical, thought provoking, bold and fearless descendants! LET FREEDOM RING!!!
Yes, they read their great-great grandfather’s speech. However, they did express their own thoughts regarding the relevance of that speech today.
Thank you all. I love you for bringing your ancestor's speech to life. Long live Frederick Douglass! ✊🏾🖤
>>>>>> They all are white, it's no such thing as a mix race person according to the Bible. You are a product of your father and father's father father. The bloodline extends from the 4th and 5th generations no matter if they keep only mixing with black . The white European blood will always dominate because it's scientifically proven that a male's Haplogrop dominates a large percentage of the Geno. The Bible says you are a product of your father and their fathers, you come from the house of your father. The father carries the seed and the mother carries that seed and gives birth to it. So If a wm haves offspring with a bw the child is considered white by the Haplogroup type that's proven not only by the bible but also DNA SCIENCE, A HAPLOGROUP DETERMINES THE RACE AND NATIONALITY OF A PERSON. If however a bm has offspring with a ww the child is black. Alisha Keys, Prince, Borris Kojoe, Shemare Moore, Dwayne The Rock Johnson, Hallie Barrie, Maria Carry all are really black according to DNA science. It's impossible for a white person " female " to give birth to a white child because every so called race came from black but that doesn't make all so called races black, Take an albino for instance, if an albino male keeps mixing with a non albino female the albino gene will always dominate the Geno but if it's the other way around with a albino female mixing with a non albino male it's the opposite, the same with dwarfs and so on. Why do you think if a female lion mixes with a male tiger the stripes and size of the creature is different from the size and strips of that of a liger mixed with a male lion and a female tiger. That's science, that's why both mixed creatures have separate names, one is called a liger and the other is called a tigon. They even act different, wolves act different than dogs but a dog will try acting like a wolf if around wolves long enough but a dog will always have instincts that's separate from a wolf. a dog born with a male wolf father is more aggressive than if it where born with a female wold mother, that's Science. Science and the Bible is proving the same thing. God said all nationalities have a different spirit to them and they know who their God is but do you know who your God is children of Israel ( the white man's god zues, jesus = hail zues but real name is Yahushua , hanging people on trees, execution, racism, lust, greed, drunkiness, porn, etc. is the ways of the Heathan. The Earth is given into the hands of the ungodly. God said Israel is my son even my first born, Jerusalem mother of us all, Black man the first man was born in the image and likeness of God, hair like the pure wool as mentioned in Danial. Joel 2:27 27And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed " give not your daughters to their sons, neither your sons to their daughters" for all that do so is an abomination to God
Jermar Williamson 🙄
@@jermarwilliamson8165 k
I am so honored to hear all of you bring these incredibly true words alive again today.
& I am saddened 💔
Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery
None but ourselves can free our mind
Oh, have no fear for atomic energy
'Cause none of them can stop the time
How long shall they kill our prophets
While we stand aside and look?
Some say it's just a part of it
We've got to fulfill the book
-Bob Marley, Redemption Song
🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲
Yes Redemption Song,,
That's all I ever had,, Bob
The first line "Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery
None but ourselves can free our mind" was originally said by Marcus Garvey.
Great to see Mr. Fredrick Douglass' grandchildren speak! They could all be as great as he was!
“I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise.” Well done young descendants. Well done.
Loved this speech. The citizens of America who really care about freedom should protest racism, sexism, the evil anti-abortion ban, imperialism, the greedy people, and the troops of this country who do more evil than good and are still commemorated for their evil actions when they invaded countries for greedy shit.
It’s technically not the troops’ fault some were forced . That’s why the GOVERNMENT is grateful because without citizens, they’re dead .
@@kircinnamon8496 that is kind of fake. The soldiers were not forced to go to Iraq and Afghanistan. They voluntarily signed up and knew what the fk was going to happen. It's like with the Russian soldiers in Ukraine right now. No one is forcing them to join the Russian armed forces and it is a personal choice that they took
Amen to that!!💪🏿🖤
@@gamerg7204 and how you know that ?
Source : ‘Believe what I said’ -
Wow! These are some really empowered, and intelligent humans 💖. That was really powerful, and well spoken. Thank you!!!
Well spoken is a backhanded compliment and unnecessary 🙄
@@y.terrell1721 I know what you mean. As a African American it’s condescending for a non-African American to say that someone African American is well spoken or “articulate.” I immediately tell them, “Of course I’m articulate. I have a masters degree.” (Many of them do not.)
The 21sr century has a highly-educated population of African Americans as opposed to African Americans in the 1950s and beyond. 👍🏾👩🏽🦱
@@y.terrell1721 I had no intention of it in any backhanded way. Your comment however, is blatantly aggressive. There is no need to be divisive, nor attempt to take anyone’s power or voice in their support of this material unless you do not agree with it. The only thing I will say is that normally I would have said a lot more, but I felt too emotionally raw when I posted, and thought a little peace and love was all that was called for, and simple gratitude because it was EXACTLY what I needed in that moment. I felt inspired and empowered, especially as these words relate to modern times and my own life, as I already know that they STILL apply. I felt not alone. It was well spoken. I felt heard even though the words were coming from people whom I will certainly never even meet. It was well spoken, by the individuals presenting , and by the author himself-I would only pray to have anyone compliment me in such a manner, let alone to convey such a message. This is not MY 4th of July, I’m sorry that it is yours because that divide is where we will all never be free-and more of our freedoms are being taken away. Why? Because people who are supposed to be standing together are pushing each other down (🙄=😶…😮💨). I’ve never been free, and in fact more freedoms are being taken away. So, I guess I should apologize for having hope and being inspired to keep fighting the same battle that has been fought since the dawn if colonialism? The same battles that is the inspiration of this speech? No, sorry-the gov and all it’s minions have taken my voice, liberty, pursuit of happiness, etc. away too much already. And why? Because I stand for everything I was told that was mine as a citizen of this country, but it’s all propaganda, and gaslight. So sure, backhanded? Well spoken because it said what I already feel and didn’t want to ramble. Thanks Yvonne, I’m already used to being a scapegoat.
@@thinktank2255 I agree with you, there are a lot of highly educated Black People in modern times. It’s quite condescending for your comments of the generations before you, however. They put up with a lot of bs so you can have your privilege. As if it were those people’s fault that many didn’t have access to education, for many reasons.
Did you know a Black woman wrote the trajectory that landed the first men on the moon? There are MANY MANY Black people who have been highly educated, and even Black colleges, so to sweep them under the rug like you’re somehow superior and NEW is just as whitewashing as the oppressors want you to be. Also, just because you’re of African lineage doesn’t mean you can’t be oppressive. There is a lot of oppression within the black community. Also, if you in fact do have a master’s degree, then you would know that the black vs white issue is a MODERN construct that is more relevant with Jim Crow laws than times of slavery. There were Irish slaves, and Black elites who were part of the colonialists moving from Europe. The us against them is the rich elite colonialism/capitalism vs the poor and marginalized groups (I.e. homeless, LGBQTIA, women, Black, Latino, Indigenous/Native, and any victim of sexual or other abuses).
P.s. I do have African blood, and I’m very proud.
@@ellanina801 great way to throw around stereotypes. Me being aggressive, what a novel idea. I too am accustomed to being scapegoat....you see, if I call someone out for a backhanded compliment (which it was) they whine and complain and go off on a poor me tangent. Playing the victim is as deceptive as it is aggressive. I see you 👀
This has hit me in deep spirits....just finished reading the narrative and life of Frederick Douglas... despite the agony and tears I felt while reading that book, I certify to it that Fredrick had generations upon his shoulders...
Go, ye seed of Douglas...be Prosperous in thy goings, let God of Heaven go before you just as with your great father 'Frederick Bailey Washington' aka 'Fredrick Johnson' aka Fredrick Douglas.
#proudtobeBLACK.
Proud to be a black AMERICAN. Greatest country on earth.
This is what I needed to see this fourth. I can't in good conscience celebrate this day as a holiday. I see all the celebrating in my city, all the fireworks and drunken revelry, and I just wonder what about? What is there to be proud of in being American? What I am proud of are the ten BLM protesters I shared a street corner with, opposing three corners of Trumpers. The kids who are rising up, realizing the foundation of this nation is rotten, and that reform may be impossible. I believe this is a movement now. One which Im honored to be an ally in. #blacklivesmatter
Leave
You are not a slave. You have never been oppressed. Your privileged life has no real purpose so you’re latching onto a violent anti-white mob disguised as a “civil rights movement” to seek it.
I meanwhile will celebrate this holiday because I love God and I love this country.
@@EdmacZ you don’t love God with that attitude.
I read his autobiography. It was enlightening.
In high school I was angry and stuck in the library after not being given assistance by my school counselor to map out a educational future for me. I picked up his autobiography and it changed my life. It gave me the drive to educate myself and to hold it most important. I have overcame everything that I was told I would not and have received a MBA last year.
How did you find his autobiography?
@@marine1732 That's incredible. What do you want to do for a living? And what's your purpose in life?
@@carolinathevampireprincess Hello, I purchased the book on Amazon.
What to the Descendants of kidnapped Africans and Indigenous Peoples, is the 4th of July?
It's the oppressors' holiday. Not ours. Our Indigenous families were murdered for their land. Our African families were kidnapped, sold off and murdered for wanting freedom to live. We are still living in a Jim Crow system and are still listed as 3/5 human & property in The Constitution. I post this in honor of those who died before us, fighting for freedom to live where they wanted to, and to own their own land. For those who wanted to live free from harassment, intimidation, false incarceration and from being murdered for being business owners. For those who wanted to be educated equally and truthfully. For those of us who DIDN'T DISOWN OUR AFRICAN & INDIGENOUS CULTURES. In honor of them, and my self-respect as a MELANATED WOMAN, I will not be bustin' off fireworks, barbecuing, or wearing red, white, or blue today. I am instead remembering WHY my father and maternal grandfather had to flee the South to save their own lives from white mobs wanting to lynch them. I am instead remembering that my great-great maternal grandmother was Indigenous but was labeled a negro for the census. I am instead remembering the angst and anger I feel every time I go places and get that 'look', as if I am not supposed to be there with 'them'. I am instead remembering being stopped on bogus infractions or being verbally abused and threatened by white Chicago police officers, when I had not committed any crime. I am instead remembering that 'they' want my dollars, but they don't care about my safety and well-being. I am instead remembering that 'they' say 'All Lives Matter', because ‘they’ want to drown out "Black Lives Matter". I am remembering that the 4th of July is a celebration of how some criminally insane, murderous, elitist racists' finally broke ties with their motherland to start building their wealth off of the backs, minds and hearts of my Ancestors, and off of the bounty of a stolen land. I am instead remembering that 'they' used blankets infected with smallpox as gifts to my Indigenous Ancestors to murder them off to conquer them. I am instead remembering that 'they' dropped bombs on my Ancestors in Tulsa, and that September 11 is the ONLY day recognized as bombs being dropped on US soil as an act of terrorism. I will NEVER spend a fucking dime for OR on the 4th of July ever again. My dignity is more important than kickin' it during the 4th of July during this pandemic, or at any other 4th of July. There is much to celebrate living here in the US, but the 4th of July ain't it.
No your African families weren't kidnapped. They were sold by other African families for money.
Read the rest of it,
Now, take the Constitution according to its plain reading, and I defy the presentation of a single pro-slavery clause in it. On the other hand it will be found to contain principles and purposes, entirely hostile to the existence of slavery.
I have detained my audience entirely too long already. At some future period I will gladly avail myself of an opportunity to give this subject a full and fair discussion.
Allow me to say, in conclusion, 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. “The arm of the Lord is not shortened,” and the doom of slavery is certain. I, therefore, leave off where I began, with hope. While drawing encouragement from the Declaration of Independence, the great principles it contains, and the genius of American Institutions, my spirit is also cheered by the obvious tendencies of the age. Nations do not now stand in the same relation to each other that they did ages ago. No nation can now shut itself up from the surrounding world, and trot round in the same old path of its fathers without interference. The time was when such could be done. Long established customs of hurtful character could formerly fence themselves in, and do their evil work with social impunity. Knowledge was then confined and enjoyed by the privileged few, and the multitude walked on in mental darkness. But a change has now come over the affairs of mankind. Walled cities and empires have become unfashionable. The arm of commerce has borne away the gates of the strong city. Intelligence is penetrating the darkest corners of the globe. It makes its pathway over and under the sea, as well as on the earth. Wind, steam, and lightning are its chartered agents. Oceans no longer divide, but link nations together. From Boston to London is now a holiday excursion. Space is comparatively annihilated. Thoughts expressed on one side of the Atlantic, are distinctly heard on the other. The far off and almost fabulous Pacific rolls in grandeur at our feet. The Celestial Empire, the mystery of ages, is being solved. The fiat of the Almighty, “Let there be Light,” has not yet spent its force. No abuse, no outrage whether in taste, sport or avarice, can now hide itself from the all-pervading light. The iron shoe, and crippled foot of China must be seen, in contrast with nature. Africa must rise and put on her yet unwoven garment. “Ethiopia shall stretch out her hand unto God.” In the fervent aspirations of William Lloyd Garrison, I say, and let every heart join in saying it:
God speed the year of jubilee
The wide world o’er
When from their galling chains set free,
Th’ oppress’d shall vilely bend the knee,
And wear the yoke of tyranny
Like brutes no more.
That year will come, and freedom’s reign,
To man his plundered fights again
Restore.
God speed the day when human blood
Shall cease to flow!
In every clime be understood,
The claims of human brotherhood,
And each return for evil, good,
Not blow for blow;
That day will come all feuds to end.
And change into a faithful friend
Each foe.
God speed the hour, the glorious hour,
When none on earth
Shall exercise a lordly power,
Nor in a tyrant’s presence cower;
But all to manhood’s stature tower,
By equal birth!
That hour will come, to each, to all,
And from his prison-house, the thrall
Go forth.
Until that year, day, hour, arrive,
With head, and heart, and hand I’ll strive,
To break the rod, and rend the gyve,
The spoiler of his prey deprive -
So witness Heaven!
And never from my chosen post,
Whate’er the peril or the cost,
Be driven.
Source: Frederick Douglass: Selected Speeches and Writings, ed. Philip S. Foner (Chicago: Lawrence Hill, 1999), 188-206.
The constitution counted blacks as property and even at that at 3/5ths of a personage. One of the critical conditions of its ratifications was an agreement to continue slavery for 20 years without dispute.
They are censoring their own kin to push an agenda 🙄
john paul ryan The agenda of equality? What monsters.
Pacman 19ze I wonder why they left that part out?
@@leeanneschmitt2513 Do you understand the 3/5ths COMPROMISE? The slave holding states wanted them count them as a whole person to inflate the states population, thus entitling them to more representation in the house. Even if they were counted as 5/5th of a a person, those states
would not see them as human, only something akin to cattle, livestock. The other states wanted them not to count at all, so a COMPROMISE was reached.
I had not heard this speech prior to this weekend. Now I heard it 3 times. How wonderful to have to have it presented by his great grandchildren. ELAINE
Solidarity today for my fellow Indigenous people who mourn the celebration of "freedom" on STOLEN LAND and for the Black Community that were and are STILL being brutally treated because of the color of their skin.
@BDog The man I think she is Native American as well… and black ppl also struggled not only native Americans
Thank you so much for this production! How amazingly appropriate this is even to this day!
Things are a lot better and much more different today.
Frederick Douglass speech is an enlightening legacy which brings honor and respect.
Wow, so moving to hear his descendants saying his words. Some really resemble Frederick Douglass too. Thank you for this.
thank you for being a clueless moron who has no business saying anything because you have nothing to even say. just the most pathetic ass patting.
My sentiments exactly. The young man in the glasses definitely has his Grandfather's oratory gift. This gives me goosebumps.
I am white and in my 60s now. I clearly remember learning about black history ( and native American) in high school and was thankful that our schools had text books that laid it all out honestly. We also studied the various immigration from Europe, China and Mexico. It was horrifying to learn but also, as a young idealist, it informed my personal decisions and actions want to move forward as a nation of inclusiveness. I hope that we can teach much much more to all of our ever diverse youth so they can do much much more than my generation did. Let's hope that the next Administration puts someone in charge of education that seriously considers how US history and civics is taught. (Ofcourse, ALL areas of education are paramount).
I am white and 60 years old, and the American history taught to me was that of exceptionalism, dominance, and religious freedoms. The genocide of indigenous people wasn’t described as such, just that of forthright and entitled white Europeans putting down Indian uprisings. No truthful explanations for said uprisings were ever offered.
I am black and in my 60s now. I clearly remember learning about black history (and native American" in high school, yet I was not thankful at all of what I saw in our school's textbooks. There was clearly no honesty intended. This drove me to seek out truth, not my facts but what really happened and is happening. One of the first things I learned was that our textbooks came from Texas. I found that particularly interesting. I also learned a world of information not taught in any white-owned schools from that time until now. Even in my 60s, I am learning new things monthly that are quite amazing white people have been able to keep out of mainstream consciousness of America.
The conclusion I have come to is that we are still dealing with the exact issues of the past. The American Civil War is still raging on. Sexism is still raging on. Social discrimination still rages on, and hate of the black man (who represents at some level all other non-whites in this world). This is not to say that all whites are culpable. If not for the whites that hate and want to change the many sins of European colonization of the world, black people would not have advanced as far as we have. This is a battle we all need to be in. And we all need to be in it to win it. Christians should understand this better than anyone else. The Word of God is very clear of what happens to an unrepentant nation.
I'm 71, raised in the rural south, and our textbooks and the myth-lessons we received, were nothing like yours. My mother, who was raised in Montana would have none of it and retaught me at home but I quickly learned not to speak of it at school until high school, the late 60s. You were very fortunate.
Most of us did not get that much information from our schools. For me, it was acquired by filling in the blanks that was intentionally left out, which is more horrifying. It leads one to question, Are they hiding more from us???? Yes
@@lilliealbert3548 Where did you go to school?
I think it’s amazing that you got his descendants to read the speech Masha’Allah. I am born, raised and still in Rochester NY. Fredrick Douglas is buried here. These young people are amazing. May Allah continue to bless his descendants and give justice and ease to the oppressed. 🤲🏼❤️
Salaamu Alaikum. Ameen
Thanks for reminding us of our great ancestor Douglas. This great speech should be taught to our young ones. I'm a retired teacher.
His last paragraph is not given?
“Pride and patriotism, not less than gratitude, prompt you to celebrate and to hold it in perpetual remembrance. I have said that the Declaration of Independence is the ring-bolt to the chain of your nation’s destiny; so, indeed, I regard it. The principles contained in that instrument are saving principles. Stand by those principles, be true to them on all occasions, in all places, against all foes, and at whatever cost.”
We are in the middle of a multiracial rebellion against a whole rotten system with its knee on the necks of an entire generation, white and black alike. But you are complaining about not getting your fill of happytalk from Frederick Douglass! Here, let me give you a link for that, where you can wallow to your heart's content: www.foxnews.com/
@@rgzhaffie why are you trolling?
observer in other words his last paragraph doesn’t fit your narrative so just ignore it.
@@rgzhaffie congrats, you gave him a link to a paragraph he must have already found seeing as he posted it. On another note, he would be proud of his descendants for speaking from their hearts. Yes, their feelings are valid and they deserve to be heard.
@@aaronhusar24 btw the link they posted is literally just to fox news lol
Everyone in North America should see this.
I shared this on Facebook and now an old co-worker is saying it's indoctrination 😫
@@erinrising2799 And what was your response?
Why?
@@runcaz7802 I was just ignoring it for now. Like I heel like if I engage it will be like 20 comments back and forth, for nothing. He'll still think it's indoctrination.
@@erinrising2799 half the flame high! do not falter. My wife on FB has similar experiences. Can we have empathy and understand for those that may not feel the way we do? I'm trying. My greatest of life's challenges yet, aside from raising teen girls that leave my tools all over the yard. haha.
I hope the people that tried to destroy his legacy in rochester are caught and prosecuted.
even if you find out they were black?
@Damon McGeachy Bravo, Damon! This response was right on target!
@@vulovulo6401 They were caught & confessed. Guess what? They were punk-assed white supremacists, like yourself? Shocking isn't it?
Something to note is that Douglas gave this speech before the civil war, before slavery had been abolished in the United States. Read the speech in it's entirety and while reading it keep in mind when in US history it was given.
NOTED, but some of us can think for ourselves and WELL-VERSED on when he spoke these wrds. IRONICALLY, it sounds like he wrote it yesterday? THAT IS SAD!! So, what is your point?
Yeah, he was offered the chance to go back to Africa, he said hell no, he was now a free American. American rights and the American dream are for ALL and can be accomplished by all with hard work. Frederick Douglas is an American treasure. This video is despicable, really.
@@lifebeginswithaseed he didn't come from Africa so there was nothing to "go back" too!!
@@lifebeginswithaseed Im confused? WASN'T HE BORN HERE? DIDN'T HIS FORE-FATHERS ROLL THEIR SLEEVES UP/WRK FOR FREE(as he did)?? DID ANY WHITES GO BACK TO ENGLAND??? Oh, i forgot, they were too busy enjoying treating us as 2/5ths a person here. KINDA ODD, considering they came here to gain independence, yet enslaved another. WHAT IS YOUR POINT??
For anyone saying this video takes Frederick's words out of context... These children sure seem to feel a strong resonance to the oppression they speak of. Only through blindness, can one avoid the truth.
What would we have done without Frederick Douglass? That man forced the issue when it needed forcing, and somehow worked positively with the system that he despized. Never minced words. Never gave up!
Some of the comments below are wonderful! Some of them are very damaging, hurtful, ill-informed, and a reflection of the work that still needs to be done!
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO WORKED ON THIS VIDEO, ESPECIALLY THE DESCENDANTS OF FREDERICK DOUGLASS!!! Y'all read words of your ancestor that STILL RINGS TRUE TO THIS DAY, and as a fellow young person (22) I have so much hope in our generation because of people like y'all who have the intelligence, understanding, and fortitude to face this world of injustices. I stand with you. I am proud of you. I cried during this because of the sadness that is the reality of being Black in this country and that y'all understand that fact and yet still have hope (as I do) and also struggle because this is a fight we will do for the rest of our lives. So I say again thank you!!! Also thank you to NPR for not only putting this on a wide platform but also putting all of their pronouns in the description, so we as people don't assume. It's amazing to see representation. To Isidore, I am so so sorry that people are misgendering you in the comments. You are loved. You are valid. You are Black Joy displayed for all to see. Continue to shine on everyone! Love you all!!!
The ones with bad comments are just jealousy. They prefer darkness to light
These teens are more eloquent and empathetic than many adults I know. Bravo, all of you. You are the future.
Reading somebody's else's words do not make you eloquent. That and the adults you know must be pretty damn near retarded if you think these kids are more intellectually deep than them.
@@warogore You didn't listen to the coda, did you? Those are their words.
@@warogore You're making it quite obvious that you didn't watch the whole video, you just came here to be an asshole
Well if its so bad why r u inriching yourself here n living n loving here.. y not go somewhere else thats so amazing 😉
Y do u blame the people in this country when maybe only a few families here even had a part in that history n they wouldn’t even know it, sounds like u have been manipulated, have any of your families celebrated any of those holidays? Hypocrites i for 1 know that our holidays r not what people believe but what people say n practice r always different
If they're "empathetic," why aren't they doing anything to call attention to the tens of millions of people held in slavery today in Africa and India and the Middle East?
The speech was written during slavery and is very powerful. Today is in no way how we are treated like our ancestors. Moreover , the last part of the speech which is tremendously important is left out
Please tell me you are joking.
@@audreywilliams7007 Joking about what?
@@audreywilliams7007 joking about what?
Who are your " our ancestors". #SMDH
It's telling and interesting to me, to see who would not understand the "tell me your joking" comment, based on the wording of the comment.
They need to state, "This was written "during slavery."
"We are not treated like this today, NO WAY"
And the TREMENDOUSLY IMPORTANT part was left out."
Which part was TREMENDOUSLY IMPORTANT?
We, as a nation, should be ashamed of ourselves that a speech written 150 years ago is STILL applicable today. We must do better.
Wow! So true!
We should probably start by officially getting rid of slavery--even if that means a civil war! Then we should amend the Constitution to at least get some things in writing. I think that'd be a good start.
From Ireland, all I can say is keep hope alive that things can change. I studied Theology and English in All Hallows’ College in Dublin and we had a huge statue of Frederick Douglas in our dining hall. His words echo powerfully down through the years. His words contain a searing rebuke to the current incumbent on Pennsylvania Avenue who couldn’t write a speech like that in a thousand years!
There isn't a single politician in the modern world that could write or orate like Frederick Douglass or any other men of his time. Today they say things like, "if you vote for Trump you ain't black" (Biden) or "I've got a message for Trump, it starts with F and ends with you"(Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot) or "I told my ten year old that we're going to impeach that motherfucker"(Rashida Talib). IDK, must be Trump's fault.
Loved this! To see his precious descendants read such an excellent speech was beautiful, beyond words. The speech truly hits home. Very well done. You represented your forefather quite well.
Those precious youth are wise beyond their years but very humble and hungry for knowledge you can tell ✊🏾
It should never matter who your descendants are. You should be judged on your merit. That is the American way.
#cluelesss
@@NoMasterz518 says the guy subscribed to hassan glue eating campbell 😂😂 yall are hopeless
"You let freedom ring, but never picked up the phone!!!"
Thats the Douglas that comes to my mind😂🤣😂
and also the 'cause I celebrate December 6th 1865
According to our President, Frederick Douglass is still doing great things.
Yeah I'm here because radical leftists tore down the Frederick Douglas statue in new York 😡
douglas and lincoln were great friends. racist, socialist bigots in antifa hate that. btw that was in my city and we are NOT happy
To the extent that Frederick Douglass worked to establish a more perfect Union, free from the evil scourge of slavery, he IS still doing great things, no less so than the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. His voice echoes down the corridors of time, and his words ought not be truncated, cherry picked, and exploited by those who have their own agenda.
@@bbcrisp03 wtf, why?!
In tears....if we love America, we will listen.
If you love god, righteousness, and love you will listen. America, the 4th beast kingdom is on its way down it is prophesied. Love Christ, then you will do the right thing in love. Gal. 5:22-23.
Red flannel - preach little one!
Preach what?
Tears in my eyes watching these eloquent & passionate young people - who are so inspiring. Here's hoping that this movement leads to a much better America...
I was ill--educated! I never learned of this speech before! What a wonderful prophetic man Douglass was and how proud I am and his decendents must be of his stance for the freedom of Black Americans, whose ancestors were brought here against thier wills to enjoy their nation and democracy.
Full Text of Mr. Douglass' speech wherein he lauds the Founding Fathers, holds high the Declaration of Independence, and the US Constitution. He successfully argues that the US Constitution never ever endorsed or provided shelter for the hateful practice of slavery. www.owleyes.org/text/what-to-the-slave-is-the-fourth-of-july/read/text-of-douglasss-speech#root-154
We should just celebrate July 2nd, because that's when the Declaration was signed, but also when the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed :)
@Carvin 69thinline And therein lies the Country's hypocrisy.
@@jeffk1722 No, it was not signed on the 2nd. allthingsliberty.com/2017/10/declaration-independence-signed-july-4-memory-plays-tricks-history/
@@everythingisaworkinprogres5729 Interesting, okay my bad. I do see sources that say independence was declared (or at least presented to Congress) on the 2nd still, so I still think it'd be appropriate.
Such nonsense, Carvin 69thinline. Even the staff-provided footnotes you link (#153, not 154) say no such thing. Quote: "Douglass remains impartial-as he often does-when he considers the debate over whether the Constitution supports slavery. Americans have long debated how the Constitution should be interpreted. On one hand, it can be read as an anti-slavery document because it excludes the word “slave.” On the other hand, it upholds the Three-Fifths Compromise, which neither considers slaves citizens nor grants them any human rights. Fellow abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison, for example claimed the document was “an agreement with Hell.” To Douglass, the matter is inconsequential. He praises the document nevertheless and believes it lays the proper groundwork for the nation to progress."
"Lauding" & "holding high" are rhetorical devices - they serve the purpose of the speech, which is to persuade people to the correct course of action. Given that he's actively trying to get slavery abolished, he is carefully trying not to turn away too many white people who (like yourself) might get all butthurt at the insinuation that this was a country founded on a slave economy. Moreover, as Douglass many times asserted - and as any non-deluded person, today or in the 19th century, acknowledges - in order for this country to abolish slavery, abolitionists had to use every weapon available to them, including (make careful note of this:) *actual weapons*. It so happens that a call to patriotic duty was another weapon in their arsenal, as was a call to christian morality.
Be aware, also, you who wants history to have been so different: those who wanted to *preserve* slavery used exactly the same weapons. They, too, made assertions that the institution was protected by custom and by laws. We can start with the 3/5 compromise, and hopscotch to the 20-year moratorium on a slave import ban, on our way to the rewriting of the 2nd amendment (go look up the original wording of that amendment, and go read Patrick Henry's slave-centered protestations that got the wording changed). Your founding fathers' reputations were in gentle hands with Frederick Douglass. History won't be so kind.
So moving and sincere! It is great to see his work celebrated. This moves me to tears every time!
Yes, the past really is connected to the present age.
Only if we hang on to it.
His Spirit was so strongly with each of these beautiful beings as they recited this speech.
And its crimes against God and man. He spoke of the nation. The nation today involves all of us.
People love holding America accountable for ending the slavery the British started. Fair enough. It is what it is. If we can't complain, we can't live, apparently. But why, I wonder, does no one ever go try to stand against slavery that's happening right now, today? There are 9.2 million slaves in Africa right as I type this, men, women and children. Imagine what they think about spoiled Americans going on and on about shit that happened nearly two centuries ago.
@@lemmh2 👏
@@lemmh2America claims to love freedom but yet doesn’t practice what it preaches. Look at the affects of Jim Crow that created the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. King even said that America owes African Americans and it still is long overdue including the affects of Institutional Racism.
@lemmh2 America never abolished slavery. You ever heard of human/sex trafficking? Today, you still have men, women and children in America that are in bondage, getting raped, molested and used for forced labor. Hence, there's not freedom, liberty & justice for all in this country.
A beautiful piece. Thanks, NPR!
A very powerful video. One thing I believe that more Americans should do as a whole, as I have done being a single parent to two beautiful children, is drop the adjectives. What I mean by that is if my children were to refer to someone as the "black boy" or "black girl" I correct them immediately. They are simply the boy and/or the girl. No better than you and certainly no worse. Equality starts with the simplest of steps. As parents, we need to teach our children how to address everyone with respect and due diligence. I don't want to be referred to as the "white man with good values towards the black man" I want to known as man who looks out for all men and women, all of society and prays one day, more people can do the same.
... and shame on the 1000 racists so far that have voted this down.
Absolutely peter de santis. It takes a lot of energy to hate, yet people do it without concious.
6:05!!!!!!!! "... we are still slaves to the notion that it will never get better. But I think that there is hope..."
My Lord!
I wonder very often: Why don't these people do anything for the 9.2 million black people enslaved today in Africa?
"slaves to a notion/concept that it will never get better."
Slaves to a notion/concept. Slaves to a concept. Slaves to a concept.
Frederick Douglass was a slave to a man, to a system, to the crack and stinging touch of a whip. And here you are a slave to a notion. A concept.
A concept can be an idea or invention to help sell or publicize a commodity.
Here are the words of the first black senator of the USA in 1875 to president Ulysses Grant......a brilliant man named Hiram Rhodes Revels.
Since reconstruction, the masses of my people have been, as it were, enslaved in mind by unprincipled adventurers, who, caring nothing for country, were willing to stoop to anything no matter how infamous, to secure power to themselves, and perpetuate it. ... . My people have been told by these schemers, when men have been placed on the ticket who were notoriously corrupt and dishonest, that they must vote for them; that the salvation of the party depended upon it; that the man who scratched a ticket was not a Republican. This is only one of the many means these unprincipled demagogues have devised to perpetuate the intellectual bondage of my people. ... The bitterness and hate created by the late civil strife has, in my opinion, been obliterated in this state, except perhaps in some localities, and would have long since been entirely obliterated, were it not for some unprincipled men who would keep alive the bitterness of the past, and inculcate a hatred between the races, in order that they may aggrandize themselves by office, and its emoluments, to control my people, the effect of which is to degrade them.
Change is possible. Change is probable. And there's hope!
That is a bold face lie! Nobody has a 400 learning curve. We don't need change we need a divorce! The relationship only benefits 1.
Challenge me on these facts. 2220 their descendants will be on the same sofa. Except it hovers in 2220.
Today's Republican party would rather defend the lagacy of Robert E. Lee, before they promote Fredrick Douglass.
Douglas would have been as proud of his ancestors as they are of him. Rightfully so. To hear a twenty year old boy say that he is exhausted is so sad. I do believe there is hope and real change is coming. Rightfully so.
My God, Fredrick Douglas should be very proud that his Legacy is still goes on ! I am so proud of his extended family.
I think Frederick Douglass would have been both so proud of you, his descendants, and so sad that this speech of his was still applicable and meaningful in this day and age, and not just a footnote in history.
Kirsten Englund 💪🏻
www.owleyes.org/text/what-to-the-slave-is-the-fourth-of-july/read/text-of-douglasss-speech#root-154 read the full speech. Douglass was a patriot who admired the founding fathers and our founding documents.
@@carvin69thinline65 thank you so much for saying it. they changed his speech chopped up. It's sad cuz his full speech is amazing
@@carvin69thinline65 And you somehow think that people who protest and try and help reform our society, working to build the beloved community are not patriots???
Today they are shared and enjoyed...
The blessings in which you, this day, rejoice, are not enjoyed in common. - The rich inheritance of justice, liberty, prosperity and independence, bequeathed by your fathers, is shared by you, not by me.
THEY ARE SHARED...
TODAY...JULY 4TH 2020...!
I hope that one day Frederick Douglass will be inaugurated into "Our Founding Fathers".
Happy 4th of July to all Americans!!!!
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Lol
I wish they had done the speech in it entirety. So much greatness was left out. They went over about 1/10 of the speech.
I agree, but you know most people these days won't or can't sit still long enough to absorb REAL knowledge 😔
@@christine630
Truth.
I do too, but I think more people received the knowledge and experience with that 1/10th than would have if it was 30 minutes long.
Reach more Teach More.
That word "hypocrisy." It hurt to listen to this speech but at the same time I'm happy I came across it.
who else has to watch this for school smh
i feel you my writing class made me do this. Also about the video why are they mad at me? Let me celebrate America god
I do its so long bruh
Outstanding broadcast, as timely today as it was when uttered by Frederick Douglass. I should serve as the stimulus for overdue inter-racial discussion
I am a descendant of Frederick Douglass! So proud of my distant cousins!
Never were those words more true than now. Thank you for bringing this to us.
Salute to the young descendants 💯💯✊
🤣🤣
Good job!
As an African-American woman, I admire Frederick Douglas for his courage, intelligence, honesty, insight and inner strength.
Thank you for reciting this honest, insightful and courageous speech from your strong willed, intelligent grandfather who was, as we know, a former slave. 👩🏽🦱✌🏾🇺🇸
It’s a shame that I know so little about Frederick Douglass and that his last name is spelled with a double s. I hope to learn a lot more about your grandfather. ✌🏾👩🏽🦱🇺🇸
AMAZING and Incredible Presentation of such a powerful yet often avoided conversation relevant to all Americans.
I mean, I'm 4 decades into my American life and barely heard anything like this about Black History, till Junettenth 2024. 😮💖✨️✌🏽 #UnitedWestand #America #USA
They must be so proud to be descended from Frederick Douglass
Awesome we need this today representation for black people. What do you hate people because of their color. Brought here in strong protest was used and abused. Stop this madness on people that are different.
Can I share this video on RUclips? Or is it copyrighted to cause a strike if shared? All white people in America must see this!! Thank you for making this video. It's absolutely beautiful.
Who dislikes this. What is wrong with ppl.
Margaret Brocke 💪🏻
I dislike that they left out the rest of his speech. Showing his live for the country.
its the racists who dont have the balls to comment but still want to express their ignorance, bigotry, discrimination and evil
Russian bots and Americans who hate what America really is at its roots. But good news, they're dying off. Fox news will miss them.
Whom? The Republican Regime, Trump and all of his supporters, haters, racists, bigots, Nazis, The White Nationalist Party, The Tea Party,...need I go on?
In his time Fredrick Douglas was a genius with he had that vision that if he read a book he could remember it in it's order word for word you couldn't question his intelligence cause you heard it whenever he spoke and if him then there where many many blacks at his level of intelligence so them saying that we didn't have the brain capacity to be that intelligent was and is very unintelligent
I hope that in very little time black people start realizing that most holidays are not for us and show that we,re not joining the celebration or singing and respecting songs but not celebrating out of hate but out of respect for ourselves,cause how could it get better with things like the image of a black man hanging on the back of the 20$ bill
Powerful stuff.
Your great ancestor would be proud of all of you! Your articulate dignity, pride, and beauty shine through...
I enjoyed this video, and can honestly say, I don't feel the same towards celebrating the 4th of July. I'd rather celebrate June 19th from now on.
Funny how they didn't read any of this part of the speech:
“But I differ from those who charge this baseness (slavery) on the framers of the Constitution of the United States. It is a slander upon their memory, at least, so I believe…In (the Constitution) I hold there is neither warrant, license, nor sanction of the hateful thing; but, interpreted as it ought to be interpreted, the Constitution is a GLORIOUS LIBERTY DOCUMENT. Read its preamble, consider its purposes. Is slavery among them? Is it at the gateway? or is it in the temple? It is neither…
Allow me to say, in conclusion, 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…"The arm of the Lord is not shortened," and the doom of slavery is certain. I, therefore, leave off where I began, with hope. While drawing encouragement from the Declaration of Independence, the great principles it contains, and the genius of American Institutions, my spirit is also cheered by the obvious tendencies of the age.”
Douglass was an American patriot with a DEEP belief in the promise and future of this nation. And this was DURING slavery. This hopeful, optimistic, and PRINCIPLED Douglass is what we should teach today. Shameful video. And blatant mischaracterization of his entire career.
"What to the Slave is the fourth of July?"
I don't know but if I had a Time Machine I could ask them.
Am I the only one who picked up on the "is" not being "was"?
Are these kids really unaware that they are presenting themselves as Slaves?
If you listen at 6:10 the child says "we are still slaves to the notion...."
They want to flip this country on its head because they are slaves to a notion!
To a notion......this is absolute madness. Frederick Douglass would not be proud of these descendants of his.
I too was grasping for the relationship of now to the time which the speech was given.
Coming from a biracial white boy from DC(MoCo)... y’all bouta get me started!!!
I love you ALL.
I love Frederick Douglas.
Harriett Tubman is my Spirit sister so lemme share something with you all through her Love & energy. (Especially you youngin’s who where born so great, great, great, great away from that madness...)
Bob Marley said, “Emancipate YOURSELF from MENTAL Slavery! NONE but OURSELVES Can FREE our own minds...”
We were ALL born free (even if in captivity), but HUMANS make you believe that you are supposed to be under their authority. Without a proper understanding of WHO YOU ARE, humans are able to program you into believing you ARE what you ARE NOT; slave, employee, subject of oppression, not good enough, etc...
You were made GREAT, by a GREAT CREATOR.
ONLY YOU & HIM Can say what you are to be in this Life!!!
Go shine your light and NEVER allow hateful people enough time in your thoughts to convince your ever loving, gentle, compassionate mind to harbor the seeds that WILL grow into the facts, fears and doubts making you subject to their control!!!
Stay Free!! Stay Loving!! & Stay Hard!!!
Go shine your light!!!
& get at me!!!
You ARE GREAT!!! #BeenGreat
Show Me!!!
Peace ✌️ Love ❤️ 💯✊🇺🇸 🌍
Excellent presentation, gives us the realization that America needs to be accountable , if we are to be truly free and equal.
As someone who as a child created a medal to wear upon the chest in our little paramilitary group, called The Frederick Douglass Award...I have always respected the sentiments of this wise man. As I listen to these words, I am glad we came so far. Black people rightly have an equal place.
clueless r word is clueless
beautifully said. Thank you.
@@lemonlimelukey what are you even alluding to?
Listen to this WHOLE speech... you will see the propaganda therein... these kids were obviously taught what to say. So disparaging of any other group that went through trials and prevailed.
Great speech from a great man. Sure could've done with out the strange music in the background throughout the entire speach though. I dont know. Maybe it's just me.
I thought it was tasteful and minimal- most things these days have loud, frantic music in the background as a cheap way to keep your attention
xrandybkx 💪🏻
Yeah, it was just you...
Not just you, i percieved it to only add a tone of facetious cheesiness. Though this could be due to my cynistic stance on theatrics that are imposed on very serious historical delineations.
A Fedrick Douglas statue has been torn down in the last few days...
because blm the organization is so stupid they dont know that fredrick douglas was a key player in abolishing slavery
Really? I did not know. Its due to the violence last year, when people who were involved in the protest has no idea Frederick Douglass shows no despair in America, discrimination, racism, and prejudice.
If people care as much for black lives matter people needs an education, and have an open discussion discussing discrimination, and racism.
So many protests last year some were peaceful, and few were violent, and then in 2021 Americans who supports Trump stormed Capitol Hill.
@@chriscusano584 Agree with you Chris. Because I've learned so much about American history of important African American figures, without this. People would have no idea who these figures were in the past.
The Jim Crow, underground railroad, slavery in Southern America, segregation in cities in the past where people of color, including African American people were separated due to discrimination, and racism.
I'm Asian American and surprisingly, Asian Americans are targeted for bringing the Coronavirus to the USA, when in reality people cannot tell the difference between ethnic groups, and I'm Filipino. I never been discriminated before and it's horrible other Asian Americans or their families has to experience. I would outright call people out for being foolish, inhumane, and discriminative.
People who mess with Asian Americans has an actual fear of catching COVID-19 not from Asian Americans, unless they know someone who is Asian. Still, it's ridiculous. I can sense people's fear because I know about the three responses to fear, fight, freeze, and flight, and another reason why I see through people's bullshit.
Fredrick Douglass explained it sooo eloquently ❤ The 4 th of July is not celebrated by me & my loved ones ❤❤❤
Wow! This is SO powerful! Mr Douglass would be so proud of his descendants, as they are of him! Lovely!