‘What To The Slave Is The Fourth Of July?’: Descendants Read Frederick Douglass' Speech | NPR
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ก.ค. 2020
- In the summer of 2020, the U.S. commemorated Independence Day amid nationwide protests for racial justice and systemic reforms in the wake of George Floyd’s death. That June, we asked five young descendants of Frederick Douglass to read and respond to excerpts of his famous speech, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”. It's a powerful, historical text that reminds us of the ongoing work of liberation.
FEATURING (alphabetically)
Douglass Washington Morris II, 20 (he/him)
Isidore Dharma Douglass Skinner, 15 (they/them)
Zoë Douglass Skinner, 12 (she/her)
Alexa Anne Watson, 19 (she/her)
Haley Rose Watson, 17 (she/her)
You can read the full text of “What To The Slave Is The Fourth of July?” here:
teachingamericanhistory.org/l...
This video was inspired by Jennifer Crandall's documentary project "Whitman, Alabama". Visit whitmanalabama.com/.
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What a legacy Frederick Douglass left behind for his descendents to be so concious of what he stood for. Done with such integrity. When the young man said he is 20 and exhausted, it made me realise the size of the burden our youth carry of loving concious and fighting oppression.
Thank you so much for this comment im gonna use it for an assignment now :)
@@IHATEWEEDYUCK its all trash pandering dont use it
It's bullshit. If you are a citizen. This is your country and this is your holiday too. We shouldn't forget our past but we don't have to ruin every holiday because we have a dark past
@@dominiquepopinski4675 you are 7 months late my boy and it wasn't trash I am now a billionare with 20 hellcats and 10 wives get you money up not yo funny up!
@@IHATEWEEDYUCK wishful thinking that an assignment would make you a millionaire in seven months. And 10 wives would leave question to your mind set and morals.
This speech was so passionate and so well written. Everyone in the U.S. needs to hear this.
Yes you’re correct!
In the world*
Amen
Sadly, most won't as he is exposing the "ugly side" of America that is still " inconvenient truths " most would rather not know about/forget...😔💜🕊🕊🕊
Except when it comes to cacazoid European so called American land stealing non native anywhere whites who are actually pink are talking about bad thing that happened to them by them. Bunch of hypocrites. Yes. It's the United States of hypocracy.
Mr Douglass would be proud of his educated, well-spoken great-grandchildren. Beautifully done. Even years later, the message remains the same.... not much has changed, sadly. We'll done, you all 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Not much has changed eyy? Move to another country then.?
@@lemarcusbrown1708other countries have immigration laws too, it’s not as simple as just moving. And moving countries is very expensive and a lot of people (especially marginalized people) don’t have the funds to do that
@@lemarcusbrown1708 So you'd rather things be the same?
what rights do white people have that black people dont?
"change is possible, change is probable, and there is hope." thank you... this was beautiful
WE HAVE HAD BLACK PILOTS,BLACK SEA CAPTAINS,BLACK PRESIDENT.SO, THE WHOLE PIE DOES NOT =1 SLICE.
Douglas was one of the great American thinkers and has never received the credit he deserves. Douglas served as the moral conscience of this country for many many years. Would love to see his work celebrated more than it is.
Hoder Harris I believe this should be RECITED AT RUSHMORE... 7/4/2020 due to its continued Relevance
@Lucien Studio - They were speaking their ancestor's words. Your "what about" is kind of like saying "All Lives Matter". Yes, slavery of other peoples existed and does so today in some places. But appreciate this.
Lucien Studio what about them?
Erick Urias You have American capitalism to blame for that. There is no commodification of the message of Douglass, that is why you can’t get it in iTunes. Why? Because it will make white folk drop the latte and start thinking deeper about their country.
and the sky is green
that child with the red flannel is the reincarnation of frederick douglass. i am in awe.
Yes. Isidore for President!
Thank you, I am a proud auntie!!
Topanga H. you’re more than welcome! just so that everyone is clear in the comments, do you feel comfortable sharing isidore’s pronouns? i’d hate for us to be unintentionally misgendering this young revolutionary.
Yes! Isidore narrated the text with passion and clarity, and then went on to answer the interviewer's question with insight and intelligence. Blew me away.
Word! Exactly what I was about to type. Holy moley! They all seem like amazing kids, but protect that one. He's going to become someone phenomenal.
Brings tears to my eyes every year. So sad that some people feel so threatened by this.
Regrettably there is no need to be threatened. Seeking the common good for all should for our own sakes be a protection we a desire.
I'll bet it does! Racists come in all colors...including yours!
can you tell me one racist law or system in this country? no no wait i have one better can you tell me all the different ways blacks actually have an edge over any other race cause i can name 32
I just found out about redlining last summer. Apparently it was supported by the federal government (think it began in the 50s) to prevent African Americans from getting home loans (buying into certain neighborhoods etc.). Ever so often we catch the news story about someone looking to purchase a home, only to be informed that it's no longer available. I'm sure others can fill in the blanks where I may be inaccurate / lacking specificity. I also think that we have to objectively realize that certain segments of society were not thrilled when slavery was abolished (feelings which are still evident today). That represented a major loss in income and affected the manner in which one could suppress another for economic gain. We can’t ignore the resulting consequences of Jim Crow laws (e.g. Provision of evidence of a grandfather voting prior to being able to vote). So if you're suggesting that laws don't change hearts, I agree.
@@skeetlejuice522 lol the fact that you say “blacks” indicate your racial prejudice.
Isidore Dharma Douglass Skinner, you are a treasure. Frederick Douglass' words JUMP off the page when you speak them; the persona of Frederick Douglass himself comes ALIVE in your measured but PASSIONATE oratory. You have been blessed with wonderful intellectual gifts- please continue to share them with the world!
I was just about to say that. That child speaks with such conviction and power. There’s something shaking about hearing these words spoken by people who actually have his DNA … it hits differently.
came here to say exactly this
Frederick Douglass is one of the greatest thinkers and human rights activists.
@FactsOverFeelings Matter I highly doubt that.
Skankhunt36
I agree. You people are dumb af, of course he’d support it
@FactsOverFeelings Matter th-cam.com/video/n8lQCpgd0wk/w-d-xo.html
At this link, you will hear what Frederick Douglass felt about the 4th of July and the American condition.
9xprincess 💪🏻
Dr. Brendan Maloney
White guilt is for beta simps like you.
This made my eyes swell with tears, especially the 20 year old young man
Same, I have heard the same from quite a lot of other who fought for freedom & equality, they were, are simply tired, smh...😔
Alexa Anne looks like Frederick. She has his eyes. Hailey Rose is so poise and graceful. This was a joy to watch.
I bet they all have little tings in their voice and habits that he had. They’re like living time machines as human beings in a way
LaT How, how do you know what Frederick Douglass's eyes look like?
Ow yeah cause all the photos were black and white😂
@@Danymok I mean, there are pictures of him.
His eyes look like they've been drug down and placed across the street, cause that's what happened to his statue
What a great idea to have his descendants speak his words of wisdom.
I have this speech in it's entirety. I read it on July 4th. Everyone should.
Also Juneteenth should be included along with this in all our schools when Black history is taught. There is so much left out. These are parts of history I have sought out for myself as it was not taught when I was in school. Now I am 61 years old.
The words of Frederick Douglass are as powerful and relevant today as they were over 100 years ago.
Looks like they tore his statue down too
@@AntonioEligius who's they?
@@dgodrummer8110 protestors who else
@@DrLuke49 Nope look it up... people who were mad at protesters. I wonder who they were....?
@@shaygibs5114 Why would people who are mad at protesters tear down statues? Makes no sense idiot. Ignorant people like you shouldn't be commenting at all cause all you say are lies
His words came alive for me, when read by his great great grandchildren. I have chills. This speech is as timely today as it was then.
What I love so much about this video is, not only these kids’ powerful and heartfelt recitation of their great ancestor’s words, but their own addition to them from their own experiences and perceptions. For this above all, Frederick would be so proud of his descendants.
Tears in my eyes watching these eloquent & passionate young people - who are so inspiring. Here's hoping that this movement leads to a much better America...
I am so honored to hear all of you bring these incredibly true words alive again today.
& I am saddened 💔
One of the best places to visit in DC is Frederick Douglass’ home.
Agree. Cedar Hill was the 1st place I visited in DC. Walked over the Anacostia on his b-day, and sat beside his shack on the side of his house for hours. Reflecting. Eating. They have a pleasing celebration on his b-day each year.
Great place to visit. Hope they re-open soon.
Bruce Miller also he is buried here in Rochester NY. The cemetery is a historic one and they do tours.
Damn i love going to DC and didn't know about it. Will visit next time I'm in DC
I worked in the DC area sometime during the 1988-89 time period, and I visited DC once or twice during my TDY while I worked for Wyle Laboratories (now NTS). We were researching the idea of the Space Station, i.e., the International Space Station! I was only there for about 3 months, but I was there during the Spring to see the Cherry Bloosoms! There is more to my trip though which included a visit to the National Archives...
The next time I am in DC, I will try to visit Frederick Douglass’ home!
@Dra O Where'd you get this from?
Allow me to say in conclusion, notwithstanding the dark picture I have this day presented, of the state of the nation, I do not despair of this country.
Frederick Douglass
More upvotes here please.
Hear HEAR!
“I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise.” Well done young descendants. Well done.
Loved this speech. The citizens of America who really care about freedom should protest racism, sexism, the evil anti-abortion ban, imperialism, the greedy people, and the troops of this country who do more evil than good and are still commemorated for their evil actions when they invaded countries for greedy shit.
It’s technically not the troops’ fault some were forced . That’s why the GOVERNMENT is grateful because without citizens, they’re dead .
@@kircinnamon8496 that is kind of fake. The soldiers were not forced to go to Iraq and Afghanistan. They voluntarily signed up and knew what the fk was going to happen. It's like with the Russian soldiers in Ukraine right now. No one is forcing them to join the Russian armed forces and it is a personal choice that they took
Amen to that!!💪🏿🖤
@@gamerg7204 and how you know that ?
Source : ‘Believe what I said’ -
You forgot the rest of Frederick Douglass' Speech, O descendants of his: “Allow me to say, in conclusion, notwithstanding the dark picture I have this day presented, of the state of the nation, I do not despair of this country. There are forces in operation, which must inevitably, work the downfall of slavery. ‘The arm of the Lord is not shortened,’ and the doom of slavery is certain. I, therefore, leave off where I began, with hope. While drawing encouragement from ‘the Declaration of Independence,’ the great principles it contains, and the genius of American Institutions, my spirit is also cheered by the obvious tendencies of the age.”
Naw. We are despaired now. That’s the point. The man is long dead his words fell on deaf ears and will again
The very last child shared that portion of the speech... Did you overlook that? As well, the hope he felt and that many of us today still feel doesn’t negate the resounding truth of everything else that he said, that is still so very relevant today.
It's an exert from his speech
@@margaretbrocke2257 “Let us realize the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” - Just remember human history is long, you may not get to eat from the harvest but someone you love will so do the work.
He obviously did not know the Bible. Jesus was not a social reformer. He instructed owners to treat their slaves with respect. He never condemned owning slaves. He also addressed the behavior of slaves. Ignorance is a dangerous thing!
The heartbreaking thing is that it still makes sense today, and it's also exhilarating to hear the brave truth. We must consider this deep and terrible wound in our country's past-if we are to heal, we must be honest without flinching.
Good job!
As an African-American woman, I admire Frederick Douglas for his courage, intelligence, honesty, insight and inner strength.
Thank you for reciting this honest, insightful and courageous speech from your strong willed, intelligent grandfather who was, as we know, a former slave. 👩🏽🦱✌🏾🇺🇸
It’s a shame that I know so little about Frederick Douglass and that his last name is spelled with a double s. I hope to learn a lot more about your grandfather. ✌🏾👩🏽🦱🇺🇸
Thanks for reminding us of our great ancestor Douglas. This great speech should be taught to our young ones. I'm a retired teacher.
His Spirit was so strongly with each of these beautiful beings as they recited this speech.
Some of the comments below are wonderful! Some of them are very damaging, hurtful, ill-informed, and a reflection of the work that still needs to be done!
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO WORKED ON THIS VIDEO, ESPECIALLY THE DESCENDANTS OF FREDERICK DOUGLASS!!! Y'all read words of your ancestor that STILL RINGS TRUE TO THIS DAY, and as a fellow young person (22) I have so much hope in our generation because of people like y'all who have the intelligence, understanding, and fortitude to face this world of injustices. I stand with you. I am proud of you. I cried during this because of the sadness that is the reality of being Black in this country and that y'all understand that fact and yet still have hope (as I do) and also struggle because this is a fight we will do for the rest of our lives. So I say again thank you!!! Also thank you to NPR for not only putting this on a wide platform but also putting all of their pronouns in the description, so we as people don't assume. It's amazing to see representation. To Isidore, I am so so sorry that people are misgendering you in the comments. You are loved. You are valid. You are Black Joy displayed for all to see. Continue to shine on everyone! Love you all!!!
The ones with bad comments are just jealousy. They prefer darkness to light
These teens are more eloquent and empathetic than many adults I know. Bravo, all of you. You are the future.
Reading somebody's else's words do not make you eloquent. That and the adults you know must be pretty damn near retarded if you think these kids are more intellectually deep than them.
@@warogore You didn't listen to the coda, did you? Those are their words.
@@warogore You're making it quite obvious that you didn't watch the whole video, you just came here to be an asshole
Well if its so bad why r u inriching yourself here n living n loving here.. y not go somewhere else thats so amazing 😉
Y do u blame the people in this country when maybe only a few families here even had a part in that history n they wouldn’t even know it, sounds like u have been manipulated, have any of your families celebrated any of those holidays? Hypocrites i for 1 know that our holidays r not what people believe but what people say n practice r always different
If they're "empathetic," why aren't they doing anything to call attention to the tens of millions of people held in slavery today in Africa and India and the Middle East?
My God, Fredrick Douglas should be very proud that his Legacy is still goes on ! I am so proud of his extended family.
Frederick Douglass speech is an enlightening legacy which brings honor and respect.
From Ireland, all I can say is keep hope alive that things can change. I studied Theology and English in All Hallows’ College in Dublin and we had a huge statue of Frederick Douglas in our dining hall. His words echo powerfully down through the years. His words contain a searing rebuke to the current incumbent on Pennsylvania Avenue who couldn’t write a speech like that in a thousand years!
There isn't a single politician in the modern world that could write or orate like Frederick Douglass or any other men of his time. Today they say things like, "if you vote for Trump you ain't black" (Biden) or "I've got a message for Trump, it starts with F and ends with you"(Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot) or "I told my ten year old that we're going to impeach that motherfucker"(Rashida Talib). IDK, must be Trump's fault.
Great to see Mr. Fredrick Douglass' grandchildren speak! They could all be as great as he was!
This has hit me in deep spirits....just finished reading the narrative and life of Frederick Douglas... despite the agony and tears I felt while reading that book, I certify to it that Fredrick had generations upon his shoulders...
Go, ye seed of Douglas...be Prosperous in thy goings, let God of Heaven go before you just as with your great father 'Frederick Bailey Washington' aka 'Fredrick Johnson' aka Fredrick Douglas.
#proudtobeBLACK.
Proud to be a black AMERICAN. Greatest country on earth.
A huge THANK YOU to Frederick Douglass’ descendants for making this video, sharing their thoughts, experiences and their hope. You are amazing young people 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🇺🇸
🙂👏🏾
WOW! Kudos to the parents who raised his articulate, analytical, thought provoking, bold and fearless descendants! LET FREEDOM RING!!!
Yes, they read their great-great grandfather’s speech. However, they did express their own thoughts regarding the relevance of that speech today.
According to our President, Frederick Douglass is still doing great things.
Yeah I'm here because radical leftists tore down the Frederick Douglas statue in new York 😡
douglas and lincoln were great friends. racist, socialist bigots in antifa hate that. btw that was in my city and we are NOT happy
To the extent that Frederick Douglass worked to establish a more perfect Union, free from the evil scourge of slavery, he IS still doing great things, no less so than the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. His voice echoes down the corridors of time, and his words ought not be truncated, cherry picked, and exploited by those who have their own agenda.
@@bbcrisp03 wtf, why?!
I had not heard this speech prior to this weekend. Now I heard it 3 times. How wonderful to have to have it presented by his great grandchildren. ELAINE
Thank you all. I love you for bringing your ancestor's speech to life. Long live Frederick Douglass! ✊🏾🖤
>>>>>> They all are white, it's no such thing as a mix race person according to the Bible. You are a product of your father and father's father father. The bloodline extends from the 4th and 5th generations no matter if they keep only mixing with black . The white European blood will always dominate because it's scientifically proven that a male's Haplogrop dominates a large percentage of the Geno. The Bible says you are a product of your father and their fathers, you come from the house of your father. The father carries the seed and the mother carries that seed and gives birth to it. So If a wm haves offspring with a bw the child is considered white by the Haplogroup type that's proven not only by the bible but also DNA SCIENCE, A HAPLOGROUP DETERMINES THE RACE AND NATIONALITY OF A PERSON. If however a bm has offspring with a ww the child is black. Alisha Keys, Prince, Borris Kojoe, Shemare Moore, Dwayne The Rock Johnson, Hallie Barrie, Maria Carry all are really black according to DNA science. It's impossible for a white person " female " to give birth to a white child because every so called race came from black but that doesn't make all so called races black, Take an albino for instance, if an albino male keeps mixing with a non albino female the albino gene will always dominate the Geno but if it's the other way around with a albino female mixing with a non albino male it's the opposite, the same with dwarfs and so on. Why do you think if a female lion mixes with a male tiger the stripes and size of the creature is different from the size and strips of that of a liger mixed with a male lion and a female tiger. That's science, that's why both mixed creatures have separate names, one is called a liger and the other is called a tigon. They even act different, wolves act different than dogs but a dog will try acting like a wolf if around wolves long enough but a dog will always have instincts that's separate from a wolf. a dog born with a male wolf father is more aggressive than if it where born with a female wold mother, that's Science. Science and the Bible is proving the same thing. God said all nationalities have a different spirit to them and they know who their God is but do you know who your God is children of Israel ( the white man's god zues, jesus = hail zues but real name is Yahushua , hanging people on trees, execution, racism, lust, greed, drunkiness, porn, etc. is the ways of the Heathan. The Earth is given into the hands of the ungodly. God said Israel is my son even my first born, Jerusalem mother of us all, Black man the first man was born in the image and likeness of God, hair like the pure wool as mentioned in Danial. Joel 2:27 27And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed " give not your daughters to their sons, neither your sons to their daughters" for all that do so is an abomination to God
Jermar Williamson 🙄
@@jermarwilliamson8165 k
How great. Move over Daughters of the Confederacy --- it's far time we heard from the Sons and Daughters of Douglass.
Ce JMJ
Plenty of room to hear both it doesn’t have to be either or
@@richardrisner3635 No thank you. We aren't interested in what the daughter's of the confederacy have to say.......about anything. We are still dealing with their lies today.
Frederick Douglas overwhelmingly love this country and celebrated.
@Floyd George OK Biff, say hello to your wife Karen for us.😉
Everyone in North America should see this.
I shared this on Facebook and now an old co-worker is saying it's indoctrination 😫
@@erinrising2799 And what was your response?
Why?
@@runcaz7802 I was just ignoring it for now. Like I heel like if I engage it will be like 20 comments back and forth, for nothing. He'll still think it's indoctrination.
@@erinrising2799 half the flame high! do not falter. My wife on FB has similar experiences. Can we have empathy and understand for those that may not feel the way we do? I'm trying. My greatest of life's challenges yet, aside from raising teen girls that leave my tools all over the yard. haha.
Wow! These are some really empowered, and intelligent humans 💖. That was really powerful, and well spoken. Thank you!!!
Well spoken is a backhanded compliment and unnecessary 🙄
@@y.terrell1721 I know what you mean. As a African American it’s condescending for a non-African American to say that someone African American is well spoken or “articulate.” I immediately tell them, “Of course I’m articulate. I have a masters degree.” (Many of them do not.)
The 21sr century has a highly-educated population of African Americans as opposed to African Americans in the 1950s and beyond. 👍🏾👩🏽🦱
@@y.terrell1721 I had no intention of it in any backhanded way. Your comment however, is blatantly aggressive. There is no need to be divisive, nor attempt to take anyone’s power or voice in their support of this material unless you do not agree with it. The only thing I will say is that normally I would have said a lot more, but I felt too emotionally raw when I posted, and thought a little peace and love was all that was called for, and simple gratitude because it was EXACTLY what I needed in that moment. I felt inspired and empowered, especially as these words relate to modern times and my own life, as I already know that they STILL apply. I felt not alone. It was well spoken. I felt heard even though the words were coming from people whom I will certainly never even meet. It was well spoken, by the individuals presenting , and by the author himself-I would only pray to have anyone compliment me in such a manner, let alone to convey such a message. This is not MY 4th of July, I’m sorry that it is yours because that divide is where we will all never be free-and more of our freedoms are being taken away. Why? Because people who are supposed to be standing together are pushing each other down (🙄=😶…😮💨). I’ve never been free, and in fact more freedoms are being taken away. So, I guess I should apologize for having hope and being inspired to keep fighting the same battle that has been fought since the dawn if colonialism? The same battles that is the inspiration of this speech? No, sorry-the gov and all it’s minions have taken my voice, liberty, pursuit of happiness, etc. away too much already. And why? Because I stand for everything I was told that was mine as a citizen of this country, but it’s all propaganda, and gaslight. So sure, backhanded? Well spoken because it said what I already feel and didn’t want to ramble. Thanks Yvonne, I’m already used to being a scapegoat.
@@thinktank2255 I agree with you, there are a lot of highly educated Black People in modern times. It’s quite condescending for your comments of the generations before you, however. They put up with a lot of bs so you can have your privilege. As if it were those people’s fault that many didn’t have access to education, for many reasons.
Did you know a Black woman wrote the trajectory that landed the first men on the moon? There are MANY MANY Black people who have been highly educated, and even Black colleges, so to sweep them under the rug like you’re somehow superior and NEW is just as whitewashing as the oppressors want you to be. Also, just because you’re of African lineage doesn’t mean you can’t be oppressive. There is a lot of oppression within the black community. Also, if you in fact do have a master’s degree, then you would know that the black vs white issue is a MODERN construct that is more relevant with Jim Crow laws than times of slavery. There were Irish slaves, and Black elites who were part of the colonialists moving from Europe. The us against them is the rich elite colonialism/capitalism vs the poor and marginalized groups (I.e. homeless, LGBQTIA, women, Black, Latino, Indigenous/Native, and any victim of sexual or other abuses).
P.s. I do have African blood, and I’m very proud.
@@ellanina801 great way to throw around stereotypes. Me being aggressive, what a novel idea. I too am accustomed to being scapegoat....you see, if I call someone out for a backhanded compliment (which it was) they whine and complain and go off on a poor me tangent. Playing the victim is as deceptive as it is aggressive. I see you 👀
I am white and in my 60s now. I clearly remember learning about black history ( and native American) in high school and was thankful that our schools had text books that laid it all out honestly. We also studied the various immigration from Europe, China and Mexico. It was horrifying to learn but also, as a young idealist, it informed my personal decisions and actions want to move forward as a nation of inclusiveness. I hope that we can teach much much more to all of our ever diverse youth so they can do much much more than my generation did. Let's hope that the next Administration puts someone in charge of education that seriously considers how US history and civics is taught. (Ofcourse, ALL areas of education are paramount).
I am white and 60 years old, and the American history taught to me was that of exceptionalism, dominance, and religious freedoms. The genocide of indigenous people wasn’t described as such, just that of forthright and entitled white Europeans putting down Indian uprisings. No truthful explanations for said uprisings were ever offered.
I am black and in my 60s now. I clearly remember learning about black history (and native American" in high school, yet I was not thankful at all of what I saw in our school's textbooks. There was clearly no honesty intended. This drove me to seek out truth, not my facts but what really happened and is happening. One of the first things I learned was that our textbooks came from Texas. I found that particularly interesting. I also learned a world of information not taught in any white-owned schools from that time until now. Even in my 60s, I am learning new things monthly that are quite amazing white people have been able to keep out of mainstream consciousness of America.
The conclusion I have come to is that we are still dealing with the exact issues of the past. The American Civil War is still raging on. Sexism is still raging on. Social discrimination still rages on, and hate of the black man (who represents at some level all other non-whites in this world). This is not to say that all whites are culpable. If not for the whites that hate and want to change the many sins of European colonization of the world, black people would not have advanced as far as we have. This is a battle we all need to be in. And we all need to be in it to win it. Christians should understand this better than anyone else. The Word of God is very clear of what happens to an unrepentant nation.
I'm 71, raised in the rural south, and our textbooks and the myth-lessons we received, were nothing like yours. My mother, who was raised in Montana would have none of it and retaught me at home but I quickly learned not to speak of it at school until high school, the late 60s. You were very fortunate.
Most of us did not get that much information from our schools. For me, it was acquired by filling in the blanks that was intentionally left out, which is more horrifying. It leads one to question, Are they hiding more from us???? Yes
@@lilliealbert3548 Where did you go to school?
Such savvy, beautiful young people pull me out of the doldrums of the moment. Truly, "Pessimism is a tool of oppression." Thanks to all of you. We spoken. Exactly the representatives our nation needs now.
You show lift up those voices and stories then.
Never were those words more true than now. Thank you for bringing this to us.
So proud of these young people. They give me hope for the future. I’m certain their (a couple of greats) grandfather would be proud of them, too. Seeing their faces and hearing their voices reminds me that the time of Frederick Douglass was not so long ago, and that we still have a long way to go in the fight for equity and freedom for all. We need the storm! Let’s make the change!
This is what I needed to see this fourth. I can't in good conscience celebrate this day as a holiday. I see all the celebrating in my city, all the fireworks and drunken revelry, and I just wonder what about? What is there to be proud of in being American? What I am proud of are the ten BLM protesters I shared a street corner with, opposing three corners of Trumpers. The kids who are rising up, realizing the foundation of this nation is rotten, and that reform may be impossible. I believe this is a movement now. One which Im honored to be an ally in. #blacklivesmatter
Leave
You are not a slave. You have never been oppressed. Your privileged life has no real purpose so you’re latching onto a violent anti-white mob disguised as a “civil rights movement” to seek it.
I meanwhile will celebrate this holiday because I love God and I love this country.
@@EdmacZ you don’t love God with that attitude.
So moving and sincere! It is great to see his work celebrated. This moves me to tears every time!
The editing on this piece is immaculate. I love how the natural movements were captured, the pauses to allow the words time to sit with you, the music swells. KUDOS TO THE WHOLE TEAM. I read the credits! This poem is still so relevant and seeing it brought to life by his descendants is so amazing.
Something to note is that Douglas gave this speech before the civil war, before slavery had been abolished in the United States. Read the speech in it's entirety and while reading it keep in mind when in US history it was given.
NOTED, but some of us can think for ourselves and WELL-VERSED on when he spoke these wrds. IRONICALLY, it sounds like he wrote it yesterday? THAT IS SAD!! So, what is your point?
Yeah, he was offered the chance to go back to Africa, he said hell no, he was now a free American. American rights and the American dream are for ALL and can be accomplished by all with hard work. Frederick Douglas is an American treasure. This video is despicable, really.
@@lifebeginswithaseed he didn't come from Africa so there was nothing to "go back" too!!
@@lifebeginswithaseed Im confused? WASN'T HE BORN HERE? DIDN'T HIS FORE-FATHERS ROLL THEIR SLEEVES UP/WRK FOR FREE(as he did)?? DID ANY WHITES GO BACK TO ENGLAND??? Oh, i forgot, they were too busy enjoying treating us as 2/5ths a person here. KINDA ODD, considering they came here to gain independence, yet enslaved another. WHAT IS YOUR POINT??
For anyone saying this video takes Frederick's words out of context... These children sure seem to feel a strong resonance to the oppression they speak of. Only through blindness, can one avoid the truth.
Loved this! To see his precious descendants read such an excellent speech was beautiful, beyond words. The speech truly hits home. Very well done. You represented your forefather quite well.
Those precious youth are wise beyond their years but very humble and hungry for knowledge you can tell ✊🏾
It should never matter who your descendants are. You should be judged on your merit. That is the American way.
#cluelesss
@@NoMasterz518 says the guy subscribed to hassan glue eating campbell 😂😂 yall are hopeless
I am caucasian, and I am crying watching this. I have so far to go to understand and appreciate african american's perspective on life in the USA. I am sorry for being asleep to racism in our country. I am making a 4th of July commitment to myself, to have more compassion, empathy and understanding for anyone's racist experiences in this land we share and call home. I wish for everyone to have a safe and wonderful 4th of July, 2020.
There is much work yet to be done. My hope is we can all share a common goal:
Equality for All.
You forgot the rest of Frederick Douglass' Speech, O descendants of his: “Allow me to say, in conclusion, notwithstanding the dark picture I have this day presented, of the state of the nation, I do not despair of this country. There are forces in operation, which must inevitably, work the downfall of slavery. ‘The arm of the Lord is not shortened,’ and the doom of slavery is certain. I, therefore, leave off where I began, with hope. While drawing encouragement from ‘the Declaration of Independence,’ the great principles it contains, and the genius of American Institutions, my spirit is also cheered by the obvious tendencies of the age.”
Be sure and post this to Facebook too...lol
The end of the video clearly states that change is possible and that there is hope. They don't need to read everything for the same sentiments to be conveyed.
More like Equity for all...
How do we not have equality of rights for all? How about we stop treating people good or bad based on race? How about we judge people by the content of their character instead of the pigment of their skin? USA has equal rights, don’t have bigotry of low expectations for people based on race, that’s literally racist!!
"You let freedom ring, but never picked up the phone!!!"
Thats the Douglas that comes to my mind😂🤣😂
and also the 'cause I celebrate December 6th 1865
This is so important to our history, and all the American people. Thank you for reading this! 💙 We all need to work together to make our country better for all. Black lives matter! God bless Fredrick Douglass, and his descendants! And God bless America! 🇺🇸💙❤🇺🇸
Thank you so much for this production! How amazingly appropriate this is even to this day!
Things are a lot better and much more different today.
Frederick Douglass was the true definition of a lyrical assassin. His message holds such relevancy during one of the most somber, and yet uprising social climate in our history. We now stand at a crossroads and out of the mouth of babes, and demonstration across this sphere I see a glimmer of hope in the distance. Well done!
Perfectly put.
"Lyrical assassin," that's great!
I was born 170 years late. What I would give to sit and chat with Frederick Douglass, a philosophical, enlightened LEGEND!
F. Douglass, was not black,he was an American.
youre an embarrassment and completely out of your league. verbal assassin lmfao
What would we have done without Frederick Douglass? That man forced the issue when it needed forcing, and somehow worked positively with the system that he despized. Never minced words. Never gave up!
God, please bless these precious young people!!! And thank You for creating them. I pray for their hope to come to fruition in You. Have mercy on them and all this generation!
I wish they had done the speech in it entirety. So much greatness was left out. They went over about 1/10 of the speech.
I agree, but you know most people these days won't or can't sit still long enough to absorb REAL knowledge 😔
@@christine630
Truth.
I do too, but I think more people received the knowledge and experience with that 1/10th than would have if it was 30 minutes long.
Reach more Teach More.
In tears....if we love America, we will listen.
If you love god, righteousness, and love you will listen. America, the 4th beast kingdom is on its way down it is prophesied. Love Christ, then you will do the right thing in love. Gal. 5:22-23.
I read his autobiography. It was enlightening.
In high school I was angry and stuck in the library after not being given assistance by my school counselor to map out a educational future for me. I picked up his autobiography and it changed my life. It gave me the drive to educate myself and to hold it most important. I have overcame everything that I was told I would not and have received a MBA last year.
How did you find his autobiography?
@@marine1732 That's incredible. What do you want to do for a living? And what's your purpose in life?
@@luciathefemininewoman Hello, I purchased the book on Amazon.
Very well done! Very powerful to hear the voices of Frederick Douglass through these young voices!! Thanks for doing this.
I think it’s amazing that you got his descendants to read the speech Masha’Allah. I am born, raised and still in Rochester NY. Fredrick Douglas is buried here. These young people are amazing. May Allah continue to bless his descendants and give justice and ease to the oppressed. 🤲🏼❤️
Salaamu Alaikum. Ameen
The speech was written during slavery and is very powerful. Today is in no way how we are treated like our ancestors. Moreover , the last part of the speech which is tremendously important is left out
Please tell me you are joking.
@@audreywilliams7007 Joking about what?
@@audreywilliams7007 joking about what?
Who are your " our ancestors". #SMDH
It's telling and interesting to me, to see who would not understand the "tell me your joking" comment, based on the wording of the comment.
They need to state, "This was written "during slavery."
"We are not treated like this today, NO WAY"
And the TREMENDOUSLY IMPORTANT part was left out."
Which part was TREMENDOUSLY IMPORTANT?
AWESOME SPEECHES FROM FREDERICK DOUGLASS DESCENDANTS TO THE WORLD. BRILLIANT & CAPTIVATING SPEECHES TO THE WHOLE WORLD SPOKEN BY BEAUTIFUL MELININATED CHILDREN. LISTEN!
His last paragraph is not given?
“Pride and patriotism, not less than gratitude, prompt you to celebrate and to hold it in perpetual remembrance. I have said that the Declaration of Independence is the ring-bolt to the chain of your nation’s destiny; so, indeed, I regard it. The principles contained in that instrument are saving principles. Stand by those principles, be true to them on all occasions, in all places, against all foes, and at whatever cost.”
We are in the middle of a multiracial rebellion against a whole rotten system with its knee on the necks of an entire generation, white and black alike. But you are complaining about not getting your fill of happytalk from Frederick Douglass! Here, let me give you a link for that, where you can wallow to your heart's content: www.foxnews.com/
@@rgzhaffie why are you trolling?
observer in other words his last paragraph doesn’t fit your narrative so just ignore it.
@@rgzhaffie congrats, you gave him a link to a paragraph he must have already found seeing as he posted it. On another note, he would be proud of his descendants for speaking from their hearts. Yes, their feelings are valid and they deserve to be heard.
@@aaronhusar24 btw the link they posted is literally just to fox news lol
As someone who as a child created a medal to wear upon the chest in our little paramilitary group, called The Frederick Douglass Award...I have always respected the sentiments of this wise man. As I listen to these words, I am glad we came so far. Black people rightly have an equal place.
clueless r word is clueless
beautifully said. Thank you.
@@lemonlimelukey what are you even alluding to?
Listen to this WHOLE speech... you will see the propaganda therein... these kids were obviously taught what to say. So disparaging of any other group that went through trials and prevailed.
This was such a powerful video. Thank you to Frederick Douglass’s ancestors for keeping his legacy alive. This is such an important video.
To Mr. Douglass's descendants, thank you for presenting your ancestor's amazing speech. As a Social Studies teacher, I can tell you with no reservation whatsoever, that Mr. Douglass's 1852 speech that you presented here, is my favorite speech of all. Thank you once again.
Powerful stuff.
Your great ancestor would be proud of all of you! Your articulate dignity, pride, and beauty shine through...
They all did an amazing job. Fredrick Douglas would be so very proud.❤️
are you proud that he married a Helen Pitts a white woman? as black women back then did not like it and in fact called it a slight and insult to their race and beauty?
Dangerous Liaisons: Sex and Love in the Segregated South (p)
By Charles Frank Robinson page 114
@@sleepup7931 jesus christ dude people like you are exactly whats wrong with america today
@@thetoiletofdoom3812 it was not me but what was written in the past and what black women thought of blacks marrying white women. and even now you will find African american getting upset that white women are "stealing" their men
@@sleepup7931 He married a White Woman after his first wife who was Black had died in 1882. They were married in 1838 until she died of a stroke. Why is that important? It doesn’t take away anything that Douglass had accomplished in his life.
@@Globalman43 I guessing you did not read what I wrote....
Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery
None but ourselves can free our mind
Oh, have no fear for atomic energy
'Cause none of them can stop the time
How long shall they kill our prophets
While we stand aside and look?
Some say it's just a part of it
We've got to fulfill the book
-Bob Marley, Redemption Song
🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲
Yes Redemption Song,,
That's all I ever had,, Bob
The first line "Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery
None but ourselves can free our mind" was originally said by Marcus Garvey.
I really felt it when that young man said he's only 20 and he's exhausted. I'm 30 now, but I've BEEN exhausted for years because of this (among other things).
Wow. Douglas was an amazing man, articulate, educated and moral. His dependents deliver a powerful message. I see some nascent leaders in these children.
What a fantastic presentation! Thaanks to the proud descendants of an American prophet. Thanks to them for keeping his rousing words alive.
If only Fredrick Douglas could've been President in those times. Perfectly done🙏🏾👍🏾
I hope the people that tried to destroy his legacy in rochester are caught and prosecuted.
even if you find out they were black?
@Damon McGeachy Bravo, Damon! This response was right on target!
@@vulovulo6401 They were caught & confessed. Guess what? They were punk-assed white supremacists, like yourself? Shocking isn't it?
The apple is shining on the tree. Sad to say, but such timeless words of relevance. I love how his descendants are honoring him. Intelligenct, articulate, very alert young people educating us on American history or HIStory.
Wow, so moving to hear his descendants saying his words. Some really resemble Frederick Douglass too. Thank you for this.
thank you for being a clueless moron who has no business saying anything because you have nothing to even say. just the most pathetic ass patting.
My sentiments exactly. The young man in the glasses definitely has his Grandfather's oratory gift. This gives me goosebumps.
Amazing! Loved the poise of the kids, and their comments at the end. And the young man on celebrating black joy and life -- love it!
And its crimes against God and man. He spoke of the nation. The nation today involves all of us.
People love holding America accountable for ending the slavery the British started. Fair enough. It is what it is. If we can't complain, we can't live, apparently. But why, I wonder, does no one ever go try to stand against slavery that's happening right now, today? There are 9.2 million slaves in Africa right as I type this, men, women and children. Imagine what they think about spoiled Americans going on and on about shit that happened nearly two centuries ago.
@@lemmh2 👏
@@lemmh2America claims to love freedom but yet doesn’t practice what it preaches. Look at the affects of Jim Crow that created the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. King even said that America owes African Americans and it still is long overdue including the affects of Institutional Racism.
@lemmh2 America never abolished slavery. You ever heard of human/sex trafficking? Today, you still have men, women and children in America that are in bondage, getting raped, molested and used for forced labor. Hence, there's not freedom, liberty & justice for all in this country.
So powerful to hear Frederick Douglass's words ring as true and strong today through this great grandchildren. It isn't enough to just be proud of them but for each of us to ask ourselves, what are we going to do finally to make America's promises real for EVERYONE. That is my personal challenge.
This is amazing and I am horrified to say that I have never thought this day doesn’t mean the same to a lot of people. I usually celebrate my independence and troops on the Fourth but going forward I am going to celebrate change and equality. Excellent work NPR.
#clueless
This just in --- slavery has been abolished, and a black man was voted by the American public to serve as President of The United States! For two terms!
Unfortunately the change they foster is marxist socialism. Unfortunately the change they foster is anarchy and the abolition of police, and criminalizing those protecting their homes from would be looters. Changing the narrative to promote lawlessness, and glorify criminals. Nauseating.
@@HomeAtLast501 never mind that, let's stick to the narrative of glorifying criminals and abolishing the police. And anarchy, and marxist socialism, and a complete abandonment of the virtues of personal responsibility among the populace. #F@CK NPR!
@@HomeAtLast501 And you'd think minorities would have equality by now but they don't. None of what you just said changes the Black experience in this country. No one is saying there are no successful Black people. Of course there are. But they are still not treated as equal in many ways and your inability to see that means you're not hearing from the Black community about their daily realities.
A beautiful piece. Thanks, NPR!
Outstanding broadcast, as timely today as it was when uttered by Frederick Douglass. I should serve as the stimulus for overdue inter-racial discussion
Yes, the past really is connected to the present age.
Only if we hang on to it.
This is Truly powerful. thank you NPR for finding his descendants.. the speech is so relevant to the current times...
All Americans have had equal rights for over 50 years and slavery ceased to exist over 150 years ago. How is that speech relevant to current times? Or are you talking about the ACTUAL slavery going on in African countries today?
A very powerful video. One thing I believe that more Americans should do as a whole, as I have done being a single parent to two beautiful children, is drop the adjectives. What I mean by that is if my children were to refer to someone as the "black boy" or "black girl" I correct them immediately. They are simply the boy and/or the girl. No better than you and certainly no worse. Equality starts with the simplest of steps. As parents, we need to teach our children how to address everyone with respect and due diligence. I don't want to be referred to as the "white man with good values towards the black man" I want to known as man who looks out for all men and women, all of society and prays one day, more people can do the same.
Dorij
So proud to hear from you young people, because this is now your fight. Make your Great Grandfather proud.
Frederick Douglass, a great man, his many accomplishments were meant to empower us, to persevere though all things. Here are my thoughts..(July 4th) should be recognized and acknowledged for Frederick Douglass, and his courageous leadership to end slavery, and for his continuous activism towards social reform, for Black Americans. There is still great work to be done to gain freedom/equality and, so we must continue (his) great fight. And pray without ceasing.
Douglas would have been as proud of his ancestors as they are of him. Rightfully so. To hear a twenty year old boy say that he is exhausted is so sad. I do believe there is hope and real change is coming. Rightfully so.
I think Frederick Douglass would have been both so proud of you, his descendants, and so sad that this speech of his was still applicable and meaningful in this day and age, and not just a footnote in history.
Kirsten Englund 💪🏻
www.owleyes.org/text/what-to-the-slave-is-the-fourth-of-july/read/text-of-douglasss-speech#root-154 read the full speech. Douglass was a patriot who admired the founding fathers and our founding documents.
@@carvin69thinline65 thank you so much for saying it. they changed his speech chopped up. It's sad cuz his full speech is amazing
@@carvin69thinline65 And you somehow think that people who protest and try and help reform our society, working to build the beloved community are not patriots???
who else has to watch this for school smh
i feel you my writing class made me do this. Also about the video why are they mad at me? Let me celebrate America god
I do its so long bruh
Really powerful! Anyone who can see and hear these young people speaking their great ancestor's words and finding them still relevant after all this time and not be moved by their feelings is not yet human but a savage still.
Wow! This is SO powerful! Mr Douglass would be so proud of his descendants, as they are of him! Lovely!
That word "hypocrisy." It hurt to listen to this speech but at the same time I'm happy I came across it.
Solidarity today for my fellow Indigenous people who mourn the celebration of "freedom" on STOLEN LAND and for the Black Community that were and are STILL being brutally treated because of the color of their skin.
@BDog The man I think she is Native American as well… and black ppl also struggled not only native Americans
AMAZING and Incredible Presentation of such a powerful yet often avoided conversation relevant to all Americans.
I mean, I'm 4 decades into my American life and barely heard anything like this about Black History, till Junettenth 2024. 😮💖✨️✌🏽 #UnitedWestand #America #USA
Wow.... that was something to see and hear, especially from young black teens and descendents of Fredrick Douglas.....you should be proud!!
6:05!!!!!!!! "... we are still slaves to the notion that it will never get better. But I think that there is hope..."
My Lord!
I wonder very often: Why don't these people do anything for the 9.2 million black people enslaved today in Africa?
"slaves to a notion/concept that it will never get better."
Slaves to a notion/concept. Slaves to a concept. Slaves to a concept.
Frederick Douglass was a slave to a man, to a system, to the crack and stinging touch of a whip. And here you are a slave to a notion. A concept.
A concept can be an idea or invention to help sell or publicize a commodity.
Here are the words of the first black senator of the USA in 1875 to president Ulysses Grant......a brilliant man named Hiram Rhodes Revels.
Since reconstruction, the masses of my people have been, as it were, enslaved in mind by unprincipled adventurers, who, caring nothing for country, were willing to stoop to anything no matter how infamous, to secure power to themselves, and perpetuate it. ... . My people have been told by these schemers, when men have been placed on the ticket who were notoriously corrupt and dishonest, that they must vote for them; that the salvation of the party depended upon it; that the man who scratched a ticket was not a Republican. This is only one of the many means these unprincipled demagogues have devised to perpetuate the intellectual bondage of my people. ... The bitterness and hate created by the late civil strife has, in my opinion, been obliterated in this state, except perhaps in some localities, and would have long since been entirely obliterated, were it not for some unprincipled men who would keep alive the bitterness of the past, and inculcate a hatred between the races, in order that they may aggrandize themselves by office, and its emoluments, to control my people, the effect of which is to degrade them.
This is such a powerful speech, delivered like this, brought tears.
I love this and am so grateful to see this legacy, alive and well!!! Thank you!! Bless you!!