“What to the Slave is 4th of July?”: James Earl Jones Reads Frederick Douglass’s Historic Speech

In a Fourth of July holiday special, we hear the words of Frederick Douglass. Born into slavery around 1818, Douglass became a key leader of the abolitionist movement. On July 5, 1852, in Rochester, New York, he gave one of his most famous speeches, “The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro.” He was addressing the Rochester Ladies Antislavery Society. This is actor James Earl Jones reading the speech during a performance of historian Howard Zinn’s acclaimed book, “Voices of a People’s History of the United States.” He was introduced by Zinn.

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[olusheyibanjo]

James Earl Jones' voice is so rich and powerful. He could read anything and make it sound amazing

[alexandredeoliveiraarruda]

Frederick Douglas was, continues to be and will always be a light to people of good sense and who naturally say NO to the tyranny of any kind.

[luvbig]

"Do you citizens mean to mock me by asking me to speak today?" ....Wow.

[drums]

It's 2022 and this still resonates today! Thank you, Mr. Douglas.

[reremoore]

No lies all truth from way back much respect to our ancestors and Mr.Jones 💯‼️

[beantianja]

thank you Democracy Now for opening with this very necessary speech TODAY!

[VirtualDuality]

I don't know how Frederick Douglas sounded in 1853, but I do believe he'd be proud of Mr. Jones's interpretation. Anything James Earl Jones reads aloud turns to holy scripture gold. I feel like I should say Amen! The true embodiment of the voice of God... Or Satan if he plays Vader.

[TheT]

After reading his autobiography, he will forever remain one of my heroes. His sheer determination to learn to read, write and later escape slavery without the help of the Underground Railroad has forever challenged my values.

[selinaantoniagraves]

Thanks you for standing up for brothers and sisters from the black community.

[ghostcobra]

The damn nerve that they even had to ask Fredrick Douglass to do this speech was astounding..

[alspeace]

James Earl Jones! Nobody brings a vision of Frederick Douglass to life like him.

[TheGodenBull]

Remember that Fredrick Douglas was at first an illiterate slave who later became one of the greatest orators!!!!

[PapiElric]

Hello and support from France : kisses for the great James Earl Jones.

[DeeboX-vvji]

We don't need light, we need the FIRE, not the rain, the STORM. Powerful words

[marshagreen]

Awesome writing by Frederick Douglass and read so well by James Earl Jones. I never heard this reading by Mr. Douglass, I am ashamed to say as a 67-year black woman, just hearing this for the first time. Mr. Douglass must have been a great man, the look on his face tells strength, truth, and courage.

[lifestraight]

A very eloquent, accurate, and wholly appropriate denunciation of the hypocrisy of this holiday.

[sambradley]

Thank you Fredrick Douglass & James Earl Jones for reminding us of the hypocrisy surrounding this day, that this wasn't "Independence Day " for everyone. 😐

[kingofthecatnap]

No blind patriotism from me, ever. Thank you, DN!

[lisadokes]

This was amazing and UNFORTUNATELY still NECESSARY TO HEAR!!!! I honor Frederick Douglass and Mr. James Earl Jones for reading his ever so moving speech.

[jas]

Yep and this is why I won't ever celebrate Independence day and that alone doesn't make me Anti-American it makes me true to my roots!
What a good job James Earl Jones is such a befitting narrator!