‘What To The Slave Is The Fourth Of July?’: Descendants Read Frederick Douglass' Speech | NPR

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:
teachingamericanhistory.org/l...
This video was inspired by Jennifer Crandall's documentary project "Whitman, Alabama". Visit whitmanalabama.com/.
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[@mariapace6626]

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 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@centrivertcoaching4152]

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.

[@mouserat374]

This speech was so passionate and so well written. Everyone in the U.S. needs to hear this.

[@ElizabethCantey]

"change is possible, change is probable, and there is hope." thank you... this was beautiful

[@hoderharris]

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.

[@DevAhmari]

that child with the red flannel is the reincarnation of frederick douglass. i am in awe.

[@geminiwoman0]

This made my eyes swell with tears, especially the 20 year old young man

[@sciencetoymaker]

Brings tears to my eyes every year. So sad that some people feel so threatened by this.

[@9xprincess]

Frederick Douglass is one of the greatest thinkers and human rights activists.

[@theresewalters1696]

What a great idea to have his descendants speak his words of wisdom.

[@cardiac711]

Alexa Anne looks like Frederick. She has his eyes. Hailey Rose is so poise and graceful. This was a joy to watch.

[@mt.airypresbyterianchurch5752]

The words of Frederick Douglass are as powerful and relevant today as they were over 100 years ago.

[@jaygilbert4546]

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!

[@Geekus]

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.

[@sirenahful]

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.

[@AR3Sfm]

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.

[@brucepmiller]

One of the best places to visit in DC is Frederick Douglass’ home.

[@sydb2848]

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.”

[@Fiona3107146109]

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.