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Reading Frederick Douglass Together

July 04, 2025, 11:00am – 12:30pm
Reading Frederick Douglass Together
What: Revisiting the Fourth: A Community Reading of Frederick Douglass's Fourth of July Address
When: July 4th, 2025, 11am
Where: TurnPark Art Space, West Stockbridge

Join us at the TurnPark Amphitheater on the Fourth of July, 2025 at 11am for a public reading of highlights from Frederick Douglass's renowned abolitionist speech: "What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” originally delivered on July 5, 1852 in Rochester, New York.

A program of Mass Humanities, Reading Frederick Douglass Together is being presented at TurnPark Art Space, one of more than 50 sites across Massachusetts where a reading of the landmark address, originally delivered in Rochester, NY on July 5, 1852, will take place between June 7 and October 11, 2025, in partnership with the Du Bois Freedom Center, the West Stockbridge Historical Society, and American Composer and West Stockbridge resident Eric Shimelonis.

This event offers a unique opportunity to revisit Douglass's words with a fresh perspective, deepening our understanding of the ongoing struggle for true equality and justice.
D. Caleb Smith, Assistant Professor of History at Mount Holyoke College, will give a historical overview.
His research explores the intersections of African American, civil rights, labor and legal history. 
The program will feature a historical overview, a moving community reading of the speech (which all are welcome to participate in), and a facilitated community discussion to explore its contemporary relevance. Beyond and after the reading, attendees will have a chance to immerse themselves in the era with period-specific music curated by Eric Shimelonis. 
A Community Art project   "Independence Means...” will be available for all who wish to participate.

This Fourth of July, let us gather not just to celebrate, but to reflect, learn, and rededicate ourselves to the ideals of liberty and freedom for all. Through this shared experience, we aim to increase awareness of our nation's complex history, provoke thoughtful discussion within our community, and inspire continued action towards a more just and equitable future.

This event is a great way for families and kids to explore the concepts of freedom and independence together, and express their unique perspectives through art.