Reading of Frederick Douglass' "What To The Slave Is The Fourth of July?"

Renaissance House a retreat for writers of color and social justice, invites the public to participate in the reading of Frederick Douglass' powerful speech "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" at The Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs at noon on July 4th (Rain or shine).

Those interested in reading can request to participate at Renaissancehse@aol.com.  Parts are assigned until filled.  Confirmed readers will receive an email with more detailed information.

"We at Renaissance House are so proud that we have been able to produce this event every year for the past 20 years. When we first gave this speech, we were the only ones on the island and one of the few in Massachusetts. Today, it is given by thousands all over the country as well as others on the island. It is a speech which should be heard by every American. It is a speech which makes you proud to be an American and be able to look at your wounds and know that you can heal them. "

Readers of all ages are invited to help bring the words of Frederick Douglass to life. Each volunteer reader will recite different sections of the address Douglass wrote during American slavery in 1852. It's been 172 years since Frederick Douglass delivered his 

Fourth of July speech at a convention in Rochester, New York. It is a speech that has more life with each generation. Each year we say that the message is more and more relevant. And this year; could it be more current? more needed? more necessary?

The director-editor-producer of Renaissance House’s annual Frederick Douglass speech is Makani Themba, a writer and social justice innovator in the field of change communications and narrative strategy.

“I love how people of all generations continue to relate to Douglass’ words because they remain, perhaps sadly, fresh and timeless.  And yet, they convey a profound hope for what this country could become.  I am so grateful for the community readers of all ages who every year breathe new life into his words.  They are a big part of what makes this event so powerful.”

Volunteer readers are requested to arrive at the tabernacle by 11:00a.m. The reading begins at noon. The public is invited to attend this free performance and participate in the reading. For more on the Frederick Douglass reading on July 4, please call Renaissance House at 917-747-0367 or email Renaissancehse@aol.com.