“What to the Slave Is the 4th of July?”: James Earl Jones Reads Frederick Douglass’s Historic Speech
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We begin our July Fourth special broadcast with 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, Douglass gave one of his most famous speeches, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” He was addressing the Rochester Ladies’ Anti-Slavery Society. James Earl Jones reads the historic address during a performance of Voices of a People’s History of the United States, which was co-edited by Howard Zinn. The late great historian introduces the address.
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Mr. Frederick Douglas was the embodiment of Integrity and courage. To be blunt. It took balls to be speak so boldly and directly to the intended audience. Knowing the consequences could be lynching by mob. This man gentleman laid it bare! Salute! And Thank you for airing this reading from another great man.
@bobc4d
2 күн бұрын
I know in certain segments of US, this would be considered "woke". if so, then I am for damn sure woke. I suppressed tears on hearing those words and knowing he was correct, for all the injustices done.
@evanstinson7745
2 күн бұрын
@@bobc4d Yeah willful ignorance in the face of such plain hypocrisy in the very heart of the country's principles, especially given the cruelty so many faced,--- "woke" as a shut down doesn't cut it.
@cheryal2809
2 күн бұрын
I have read and heard, before, this very speech that Mr. Douglass gave on that July 5th. I will hear and read it again in the future. I thank Mr. Jones for re-enacting this poignant and horrifying speech.
@deborahd.7281
Күн бұрын
He obviously exerted is right to free speech and your exaggerated claims about the potential of lynching did not materialize. Also, Mr. Douglas enjoyed the ability to speak freely on whatever he wanted unlike Donald Trump who was issued a gag order by a judge not to speak on particular subjects. Do you have any outrage on that, or the threats of violence directed to Donald Trump? Have you only moral outrage for "woke" positions that are opposed, or do you have moral outrage for all positions that are oppressed even if you don't agree with them?
@cheryal2809
Күн бұрын
🤡@@deborahd.7281 🤡
Powerful words we all must hear!
Even back then, there were those who knew the lie that is America. Powerful.
@louvendran7273
2 күн бұрын
Privilege is not unique to humans. In the animal kingdom. One really funny example. Not funny to the monkeys affected though. In Japan there is a geothermal hot spring in some nature reserve. A colony of monkeys have discovered the hot springs. During the winter like all places beyond the Tropics it gets really cold. There is a set hierarchy of who is allowed to bathe the in pools as they cannot all fit in the pools. There is an aristocracy, enforcers & the excluded. Therefore the excluded group has an exponentially higher chance of frost bite or hypothermia. 😂😂😂
@elysehfm8797
2 күн бұрын
@@louvendran7273, nice to see you again. Very interesting information. I knew of the monkeys in the thermal springs, I didn't know they keep other monkeys out.
@N.J.C95
2 күн бұрын
I didn't even celebrate today man what's the point?
@user-gx9mv3qn7o
Күн бұрын
Why don't you leave Americans don't want you're division and you're hate for Americans
@theshrivelstein7118
Күн бұрын
@@N.J.C95 You should move to someplace else, crybaby. This is still the greatest country going, except for the shitstain that is the democRAT party.
As relevant today as back then
@kendallwalls9167
2 күн бұрын
Increasingly so post 2020
@martinesejour3361
2 күн бұрын
Presently…? In what way?
@flossietube2065
2 күн бұрын
Agreed 💯
@elysehfm8797
2 күн бұрын
@@martinesejour3361, the way the laws and justice system is set up. For profit prisons are BIG business and must stay full.
@martinesejour3361
2 күн бұрын
@@elysehfm8797 oh yeah, I forgot about that. Thanks. Is society aware? What is society doing to remedy this problem? From all the shows I’ve watched DNA has released a lot of innocent people. From what I’ve observed most that are incarcerated, should be locked up. Especially when it comes to Forensic Science.
Douglass was quite a powerhouse intellectual and activist. A brave and powerful man. Also JEJ had the greatest voice ever.
❤Oh to be in the room when the legendary Fredrick Douglass gave this Immaculate Speech!!! The look on their faces, I feel bamboozled as a youth celebrating this Massacre of a Holiday..it's not for us as black people. We went on in our enslavement for 100+ years to be liberated... And delayed 2.5 years in Texas. Now we are free but still grossly mistreated at every turn having to work harder than EVERYONE ELSE... AND GETTING scrapes in return. It's a day I don't celebrate anymore with money or my time. ✊🏾 knowledge is power 📚📘📖
A rare case of honesty in a speech.
@kathym6603
2 күн бұрын
Not to make light of your comment but listen to Vladimir Putin's speeches. He too speaks honestly and acts ethically. Even the Ukraine "intervention" was a decision between life and annihilation for Russia. Putin was forced to do the last thing on earth he wanted to do. There is courage.
@welfarecrusader6855
2 күн бұрын
@@kathym6603 whose bot is this
@shannalee2520
2 күн бұрын
Germany is using Ukraine, and etc, to finish The 4th Reich. Look into it; deeply.
@The10thManRules
2 күн бұрын
You don't listen to enough historical speeches. I recommend Martin Luther Kings full, uncut speeches. I also recommend speeches from James Baldwin.
@The10thManRules
2 күн бұрын
@@kathym6603Propaganda by another name.
Whether he’s reciting the alphabet, seeking to crush space rebels, guiding his prince son to destiny, reading the Bible or reciting an important abolitionist speech, James Earl Jones always has this thunderous power, this oomph behind anything he says. And that’s what makes him great.
Thank you Amy!
Thank you for this , Democracy Now . As an old and cranky Canadian I remember doing an essay in junior high school on Frederick Douglass, if even half of America would listen and take to heart the words of this man we would All be in a much better world today ❤🇺🇲💙🇨🇦
"Would disgrace a nation of savages . . . " is right!
@user-ti3vp9mt3z
2 күн бұрын
Those lines got me too. Just look at our crimes in Palestine.
@jrutt2675
Күн бұрын
Well one has to be a savage to tame savages! All one has to do is look at current U.S.A. and one can see why these events had to happen in the past.
@derekcash3608
Күн бұрын
@@jrutt2675 "and one can see why these events had to happen in the past." These events "had to happen" because the US needed free labor to build wealth and to claim superiority over anyone not White.
@cognitionup5211
Күн бұрын
@@jrutt2675your mind is demonic, to type this in 2024, demonstrates yo are not far removed from being a savage!
@MarkGunnMedia
Күн бұрын
That is a load of crap and only an idiot would fix his fingers to type such garbage.@@jrutt2675
There are some things I just can't, in good conscience, participate in let alone celebrate. Thank you Fredrick Douglass you said it ALL.
Timeless masterpiece
James E Jones Thank You Sir You are a Blessing❤
I listen to this every single year, thank you J.E.J and democracy now
Timeless words to awaken the NATION and expose truth! This should be broadcast to every home in America and the world.
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ I had the pleasure of meeting James Earl Jones at the first inauguration of President Bill Clinton . We arrived at the same time to begin our descent o an escalator. I recognized the great man but with the respect for one’s privacy I remained silently aware. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
This speech should be taught in public schools just like the "I Have A Dream" speech and the "Gettysburg Address".
@kylezo
2 күн бұрын
MLK's later speeches focusing on the evils of white liberals and socialist criticism of capitalism, the natural conclusion of his early work, is not shared or celebrated today. Instead, liberals and conservatives alike stand united _against_ liberation politics. It has _always_ been communism, socialism, and collectivism that has been the driving force of Liberation in this world. MLK was taken from us when he started discussing empire.
@barbaramcspadden6351
2 күн бұрын
As a sociaalist, I fully agree. @kylezo
@Shamunt
8 сағат бұрын
Can’t be because republicans are afraid of crt which is what this would fall under lol
@wadadjomaa7825
7 сағат бұрын
Indeed
@truthiscensored
4 сағат бұрын
@@kylezo Communism and Socialism isn't the kind of "Liberation" you want unless you want to be ruled by Tyrannical Gov't with strict rules and punishments. Communism is the system and religion of the Beast kingdom (Revelations 13). Bible says this and many of the founders of Communism (Marx, Lenin, their Protocols) says this in their own books ...It ain't the "freedom/Liberation" they deceive you to believe
That was awesome ❤❤❤
Thank You Amy Goodman, Thank You Always. The words of Senator Frederick Douglas can still be said today. The slavery of discrimination goes on with systemic racism that even denies teaching CRT Critical Race Theory. President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address has also been forgotten. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King reminded us of this of "a nation that has yet to fulfill it's creed 'that all men are created equal.' " Those like Howard Zinn showed the consequences of it. Thank You Always Amy Goodman
His words show not only how far we have come as a nation but also how much further we have left to go.
@mar25947
2 күн бұрын
How far have we come tho lol 😂
If only mainstream news would show this every year...
He speaks to us still. Thanks.
The 4th of July is such a LIE!
@mastercabbage
2 күн бұрын
No it’s right there on the calendar. Every month has a fourth day actually if you look into it.
@hoosierbaddy3052
2 күн бұрын
@@mastercabbage literalist huh?
@kathym6603
2 күн бұрын
History is the rolling story of survival on earth. The human race needs freedom. Our founding fathers got as close to freedom as the world has ever seen. We failed to hold onto it. Poor us.
@kahlilboi
2 күн бұрын
@@kathym6603most of the founding fathers were slave holders 😅
@billhanna2148
2 күн бұрын
@@hoosierbaddy3052 Yeah hes so pithy ..what a pity
Thank you for the focus on Frederick Douglass. Happy Independence Day!
@practicalwerewolf
2 күн бұрын
"Happy independence day" 🤦♂️
@kendallwalls9167
2 күн бұрын
I think we can at the same time celebrate what were legitimate historical advances while also placing those advances under a more realistic critical gaze and recognizing how far we still have left to go. @@practicalwerewolf
@tiwonnasims8206
2 күн бұрын
@@practicalwerewolf cognitive dissonance
@borninvincible
2 күн бұрын
@@kendallwalls9167I don't qwhite understand 😂
@kendallwalls9167
2 күн бұрын
@borninvincible Freedom from monarchy should be celebrated & the caplitalist bourgeoisie democracy has certainly raised the productive capacity of the US as well as the world to the level that most people's standards of living have dramatically increased since the time of the feudal monarchies. We also have certain freedoms (on paper) under the law that subjects of monarchies generally didn't. However, global imperialist wars, periodic crises of capitalism, and the many faceted conditions of oppression are all issues of the day that hopefully we can collectively organize to fix.
Also let us listen to my hero Paul Robeson!
@kathym6603
2 күн бұрын
I think I will! VIDEO: Paul Robeson: On colonialism, African-American rights (Spotlight, ABC,1960)
The man speaks to us through the ages. People may wonder why I say that I face this day with some disappointment. It is because Americans still treat words such as these as though they were spoken by an alien influence, and call it, mockingly, "woke". This speech should be remembered as a wake-up call to all Americans, that the struggle for human independence is never done.
Applied Knowledge is Power RIP Frederick Douglass
Amazing and powerful speech
I'm a 60-year-old man born and raised in what we now call the Divided States of America. It is no secret that America and the West are directly and or indirectly, the biggest purveyors of war. These countries have military bases, spy and intelligence apparatuses in almost every nook and cranny on our planet. These countries are reaping havoc on common people and our environment. For centuries there have been war after war, and now there's nothing left for them to fight except themselves. You see, these countries must fight because of the nature of the environment in which the bloodline of the rulers of these nations have been produced. I wonder if after the final war, will we ask these same nations for reparations?
@hoosierbaddy3052
2 күн бұрын
Blacksilence; These countries are ‘wreaking’ havoc, not reaping. It does affect the overall meaning. I appreciate your share. I’m also 60 and have witnessed this place devolve. Just bc there’s advancements in tech and science doesn’t mean that humans are evolving. Yeah, the internet and cell phones are innovative and very useful, however, we’ve given our brains intelligence over to electronic devices. Smartphones equals stupid people. Back in my day, we had to remember folk’s phone numbers. Now? My mom doesn’t even know my phone number. I can appreciate not wanting to muck your head up with useless information that can be found online faster than in the brain. But we’ve become one lazy @$$ed society. Now it’s too much for me to turn my neck to check if I can change lanes? My side mirror is in control? Hey, that’s a useful warning system. However, it bespeaks a race that cannot be trusted to think on their own. Nor act accordingly in situations. I see humans but very little humanity here. I’m ret to get on outta here. Calgon, take me away….
@John-mu2js
2 күн бұрын
When they have to pay reparations they will stop going to war and will stop colonization
@joeberi1551
2 күн бұрын
Agree 1000%. The problem with BLM!!! During George Floyd murder protests and others, everyone from all over the world protested against George Floyd murder and supported BLM. ****But BLM NEVER supported others groups eg, women, life freedom protest and # Mahsa murder in Iran, Israelis genocide murdering 16,000 Palestinians children in Palestine, LGBT, etc. ** BLM just want the people in the White House and congress are happy to get their support for their OWN benefit and BLM does NOT care about other oppressed group and it is pathetic.
@pranavpillai7778
2 күн бұрын
Nations which are powerful have done this forever.
@warriorwaitress7690
2 күн бұрын
@@pranavpillai7778 That doesn't make it any less alarming or sh---y.
Beautiful, beautifully hurt....I think about the Palestinians. 😢😢😢
@tiwonnasims8206
2 күн бұрын
Wow of course you do 😢
@charlesirby1643
2 күн бұрын
It is disgusting you guys always want to bring up Palestinians. Palestinians don’t care about the iconic Frederick Douglas.
@LivingWithCognitiveDissonance
2 күн бұрын
Yep. Hearded into that small area only to be shot like fish in a barrel. This is america's shame.
@sagapoetic8990
2 күн бұрын
Me, too.
@percyvolnar8010
2 күн бұрын
@@tiwonnasims8206 Exactly. See how they segue black pain into others pains without ever addressing the black pain? Without a doubt black people are descendants of gods chosen people.
Let us remember the "whole" truth of this day... fireworks, parades, bbq's all well and good, however it is at our peril lest we forget or ignore the truth, look around you it already is... Happy 15 days after Juneteenth everyone.
Beautiful. Timeless. Brilliant.
No, slavery isn't over. It has simply changed form. No more physical chains and whips, but there are those who continue to live regarded as lesser and inferior. There are those who still continue to reap undue rewards based simply upon how and where they were born. Some of us were given tags for what we should be doing, and shouldn't be doing, simply based on the colors of our skin. Some of us will never be treated the same, or viewed the same, as others. Some of us may escape these cruel cages, but for many, it is impossible.
@chuckpatterson8374
11 сағат бұрын
The demon-cratic party is the new slave master….
Hard Not to think of these Wise Words of Frederick Douglass, today. July 4, 2024. 🙏🏿😔
Unbelievable that they even had the audacity to ask someone like Frederick Douglass to do a speech about the 4th of July given that slavery was still going on around that time.
@stuartmcalpine9468
16 сағат бұрын
It was delivered to abolitionists.
@stuartmcalpine9468
16 сағат бұрын
At least some white Americans have a damn.
I don’t say Happy 4 th of July. 4 th of July has nothing to do with me. My descendants were African slaves.
Took the words out of my heart!
I agree. I understand. I respect every word.
Great granddaughter of Native American slaves owned by the Moore plantation. I felt those words in my soul & see that nothing has changed except the manifestations of slavery.
He would be called " woke" today and a DEI problem.
@martinesejour3361
2 күн бұрын
@@IGBOAmericanKing what does DEI stand for?
@LavelChance
2 күн бұрын
Diversity Equity Inclusion
@kylezo
2 күн бұрын
No he wouldn't. He'd be called a terrorist. DEI is liberal identity politics and means nothing to the effort to dismantle oppression.
@patrickday4206
2 күн бұрын
no he had real substance
@cantstop-wontstop2138
Күн бұрын
@@patrickday4206 The people who have tried to make "woke" a bad word care nothing about having SUBSTANCE. They support a Presidential candidate that has more felony convictions than Noriega
"The proverbial elephant in the room" This is the truth all Americans must confront and make peace with. Thank you for this speech; this is what Independence Day means to me.
Sobering. A good starting point for Frederick Douglass's era in American History. Which brings us up to the present when we are on the way to becoming boxed in slaves where I hope we can come up with the soul and greatness of the blacks.
Not a slave he was enslaved.
@kathym6603
2 күн бұрын
Thanks for the technicality that is actually vitally important.
@kylezo
2 күн бұрын
Yes, a person that is enslaved is a slave.
@stopthelies4249
2 күн бұрын
@@kylezo TRUMP IS THAT U
@fixieroy
Күн бұрын
@@kylezo you missed the point.
We need more leaders like this man.
Wow! What a powerful speech and how relevant those words are for todays times in which we live!! Thank you!!!
Absolutely!!!!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
As a veteran have ceased celebrating the 4th upon learning, years ago, of the truth … Mr Douglass is one of my favorite, to me, vintage historians who never gets old to read from or hear about. One of the most memorable passages he wrote about informed me in Christian’s being the worst owners and it’s better to belong to a non-Christian. I don’t recollect if I first heard from Mr Douglass about the Bible being manipulated and changed to prevent slaves of learning about freedom. I’m thankful for films like this representing the truth of our history. America is better knowing than living a lie. Perpetuated by the same people who rewrote the Bible to manipulate and not honor faith. This clip showed up in my algorithm. Looked at the channel and am a new follower. Thanks for featuring facts and such an eloquent clip ❤🇺🇸
This should have 100 million views!!!!!
Very moving. Thank you for this!
BANGER
2:18 I have enjoyed these readings immensely. Thank you Amy!
Inspiring And Refreshing
Beautiful! Power to the people! Still Powerful and relevant generations later 👊🏾
True Fact!
The original diss track
Wow!
Bravo 👏🏽 👏🏽👏🏽
Happy Independence Day America!!!!!
Darth Vader understand the DARK SIDE.
@juliewake4585
2 күн бұрын
Mufassa too it seems.
@CyberspacedLoner
2 күн бұрын
Donald Trump is the Sith Lord Darth Sidious/Supreme Chancellor/Emperor Palpatine
eloquent words and powerfully read.
And over a 160-year period, it has gotten monstrously worse!
I could listen to him read the phone book.
The man of valour Mr. Douglass had every right to feel what he felt. To think about how our government was celebrating their freedom from Great Britain but had our people still bound in the inhumane practices of slavery is disheartening. In 1776 our people were not free. They were still forced to submit under the disposition of slaves and digest the dark and wicked treatments that came from hatred and racism. I had to repent to The Most High for all the years I celebrated this holiday. I no longer have a desire to engage aftet realizing the actual state and conditions our people were in while everyone else celebrated freedom on this particular day. This bothered me deeply. And some believe our people do not deserve reparations. Well, my heart and spirit say different. GOD Bless you all and Shalom and many blessings to you and to your beautiful families.
That was epic
..." The crimes against God and Men must be proclaimed and annouced ! "
The 4th of You-Lie! Democracy is Hypocrisy ~Malcolm X
"Crimes that would disgrace a nation of savages." Pretty brutal and bada**.
You know better you do better❤ what is it to a black person your democracy?
The man that is not willing to fight for his Rights and justice,does not Deserve it 🇯🇲🧐
We love a re-upload!!
Powerful truth
I believe the same can be said of all National Holidays
Thank you for making it all about you.
Frederic Douglass should be added to Mt. Rushmore.
Sadly it is still true, in varying degrees, to the poor, the underprivileged, and still includes women of all races.
a sage of the times ❤
I’d forgotten that it was USA Independence Day. It’s our voting in the UK and I’d love to think that it may make a difference to us in some way. I’m not holding out much hope.
A speech that should be taught to US students in intermediate school. Every American deserves and in fact, has a duty, to know and understand the real history of this country, not the propaganda taught in schools for over a century.
Astounding, liberating
Thank you, Amy
If there were any independence from the crown, it was short-lived.
When this is read at the inauguration of an American President as their responsibility/oath to include all Americans. To scrap the 4th July and create a new holiday to celebrate civil rights & rehabilitation of all those stuck in the perpetual poverty can be given a lever (equity). Equality can never take place if equity is not given. 4th of July should be a holiday reminding Americans of why the founding fathers did not want to pay tax for the British Army defeating the French to conquer the British America, why the farmers were stopped by the British to steal Indian Land? Why the fathers were terrified of Britain freeing the slaves? A bill of rights, is a bill of privilege. If all are given those rights non are privileged. Some of us don't like that as we are pompous. Lastly that British North America was a Republic from 1649-1658. If one asked an average Yank Who is Oliver Cromwell. They would be clueless.
@elysehfm8797
2 күн бұрын
Excellent. Your comment should be pinned and read by all.
As someone who has deeeeeeeeeep roots in the American south, a Black woman, and a leftist - I can honestly say that I’m so proud to be an American. The failures of our state to collectively honor the contributions of blacks is an oversight many of us see and recognize. Buuuuut, personally my family is filled with strange and wonderful characters that fall on every side of the party line - and it’s hard not to be in awe and proud of everything they are or failed to be, given the crazy rules of the American game. Who cares if the country doesn’t see it - too bad for them they’re missing out on all the richness we represent. I couldn’t have been made anywhere else but this place, so I can say that despite all the mistakes and inhumane treatment - I don’t feel anything but love for the country. Happy 4th. 🎉Pour out a cup for me, I’ll do one for you.
It's good that you play this every year; especially this July 4th, 2024...& Scotus's unconstitutional ruling.
This will trigger the conservatives today 😂
@mastercabbage
2 күн бұрын
Yeah I’m literally shaking at the voice of Darth Vader.
@kathym6603
2 күн бұрын
I'm a conservative and I approve of the truth. This is truth.
@francislenetti5016
2 күн бұрын
no, because they were the ones that died fighting to end slavery. you must be thinking about the democrats.
@terrancekayton007
2 күн бұрын
It was meant too.
@bobc4d
2 күн бұрын
@@francislenetti5016 no because this would be considered "woke" by conservatives, particularly trumper conservatives
Very much needed
Immaculate. ❤🔥❤🔥❤🔥
Thanks
Facts
I hope the "Brass Fronted Impudence" of THE HERITAGE FOUNDATION WITH THEIR DAMN PROJECT 2025. Is forced to hear this !
Happy 4th, Amy and friends ❤
"At a time like this scorching irony, not convincing argument, is needed."
Alhamdulillah
As fan of James earl jones since childhood due his famous role as mufasa one of the best father in history of animation and cinema I always enjoyed his work and speaking especially his famous voice
This a savage planet gilded by lovely nature , behind which is foundational terror and despair. For the discerning mind, this is easily observed.
👏
What to homeless people is 4th of July in the twenty first century???
@kendallwalls9167
2 күн бұрын
Great question that begs to be asked seriously
@lycanhd
2 күн бұрын
They are free.
@user-xt8on4kf5o
2 күн бұрын
@@lycanhdYou comment in a news channel, yet you are not informed. The Supreme Court just ruled that homeless may not sleep outside. It is deemed a criminal act now. So no, they are not free. War is being waged against them.
@lunamequa
2 күн бұрын
@@lycanhdExactly that’s not a comparison.
@zeroturn7091
17 сағат бұрын
@@lycanhdin more ways than one.
Stand Up Speak Out Walk Humble with God
Very good job with much love and