Frederick Douglass: Inheritance Not Shared
on Tuesday, July 4, 2017Frederick Douglass Money Quote saying On July 5, 1852, in Rochester, New York, he gave one of his most famous speeches, “What to the slave is the 4th of July?” He was addressing the Rochester Ladies Antislavery Society. Frederick Douglass said:
“The blessings in which you this day rejoice are not enjoyed in common. The rich inheritance of justice, liberty, prosperity, and independence bequeathed by your fathers is shared by you, not by me” — Frederick Douglass
Share the Frederick Douglass Independence on 4th of July quote image above:
Short Link to this Quote:
In this quote, Frederick Douglass is pointing out the stark differences in how Independence Day was experienced and celebrated by white Americans versus black Americans like himself who were still enslaved.
He suggests that while white citizens delighted in the blessings of justice, liberty, prosperity and independence secured by the American Revolution, these rights and privileges were not shared equally or enjoyed commonly by black people who remained in bondage.
The quote highlights Douglass’ view that the rich inheritance of the nation’s founding ideals did not extend to African Americans, and that true freedom was still denied to people of his race on a day proclaimed to honor liberty.
#4thOfJuly
Birthday February 14, 1818 – Death: February 20, 1895
Frederick Douglass, ca. 1879. George K. Warren. (National Archives Gift Collection)
Exact Date Shot Unknown
NARA FILE #: 200-FL-22
WAR & CONFLICT BOOK #: 113
You must be logged in to post a comment.