The Monadnock Center for History and Culture will host a statewide reading and discussion of Frederick Douglass’ famous 1852 address, “What, to the Slave is Your Fourth of July,” on Saturday, June 27 at noon.
The event invites participants to hear, read and discuss Douglass’ powerful speech, which challenged his audience to confront the hypocrisy of a nation celebrating freedom while continuing to enslave millions of people.
Presented by the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire, the annual event features simultaneous readings in 19 communities across the state. Following the presentation, attendees and readers will participate in a facilitated discussion exploring the ways the 174-year-old speech continues to resonate today.
The Frederick Douglass Reading is free and open to the public. More information about the event and other community programs can be found online at MonadnockCenter.org.