What to the Slave is the 4th of July? (Insights from Frederick Douglas)

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Tru-ID Podcast

Religion & Spirituality


On July 5, 1852, Frederick Douglas presented what is perhaps his most famous speech, which is generally titled, "What to the Slave is the 4th of July?". At the Corinthian Hall, in Rochester New York, Douglass made this speech to the Rochester Ladies' Anti-Slavery Society. Douglass is by far my favorite figure of African American history. He had a brilliant mind that certainly shined through in his writings and accomplishments as an abolitionist.  In this episode, we take a look at sections of "What to the Slave is the 4th of July?" and explore what many African Americans experience as a tension between that which can be appreciated about America/American history and grappling with harsh moral realities of America/American history. I'll attempt to draw insights from Frederick Douglas and point out how this issue may intersect with how we go about doing so called "urban" apologetics. I'm somewhat shooting from the hip in this episode. I haven't got it all completely worked out in my thinking yet and would welcome feedback from y'all out there. Enjoy...