Join us for Newburyport's 9th annual community reading of Frederick Douglass's powerful speech, "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?"

An in-person community reading of Frederick Douglass's impassioned 1852 speech, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” will take place on Sunday, July 5, at 10am. Lend your voice to this powerful participatory event.

We will gather near the Garrison statue in Brown Square, Newburyport. Seating is limited - please bring a chair or blanket to the reading.

The ninth annual Reading Frederick Douglass Together takes place Sunday, July 5, at 10 a.m. across from City Hall at Brown Square, 60 Pleasant St. This event brings people together to read and discuss Frederick Douglass’ influential address, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” No sign-ups necessary. The reading of the speech takes about 45 minutes. Seating is limited – bring a folding chair. Light refreshments will be provided.The event is organized by the Friends of William Lloyd Garrison with support from the YWCA of Greater Newburyport, the First Religious Society UU, Museum of Old Newbury, Congregation Ahavas Achim, and the Newburyport Human Rights Commission. This program is funded in part by Mass Humanities. Funding from Mass Humanities has been provided through the Massachusetts Cultural Council. In the event of rain – the event will be held nearby at the First Religious Society, 26 Pleasant Street, Newburyport.