This speech was given by Frederick Douglass in June 1852 to the Rochester Ladies’ Anti-Slavery Society. It became one of Douglass’s most famous speeches—criticizing the chasm between America’s Founding principles and the institution of slavery. Douglass lamented that Independence Day wasn’t a day of celebration for enslaved people. At the same time, he urged his audience to read the U.S. Constitution not as a pro-slavery document, but as a “GLORIOUS LIBERTY DOCUMENT.”
Since 1985 actor and orator Fred Morsell has embodied Frederick Douglass in performances across the country. He brought his character to life in Washington DC, bringing it to every high school thanks to a grant by the National Humanities Council and the Caring Institute. He will perform this great speech as part of the Juneteenth Weekend in collaboration with the Coalition on Diversity and Equity (CoDE). Now 85 years old he will be coming to us all the way from his home in Montana. His performance is in the great tradition of historical enactment performers, much in the same way Hal Holbrook embodied Mark Twain. This is yet another unique performance you will not want to miss.