“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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As relevant today as back then
Increasingly so post 2020
Presently…? In what way?
Agreed 💯
@@martinesejour3361, the way the laws and justice system is set up. For profit prisons are BIG business and must stay full.
@@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.
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.
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.
@@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.
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.
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?
🤡@@deborahd.7281 🤡
Even back then, there were those who knew the lie that is America.
Powerful.
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. 😂😂😂
@@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.
I didn't even celebrate today man what's the point?
Why don't you leave Americans don't want you're division and you're hate for Americans
@@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.
Powerful words we all must hear!
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.
This speech should be taught in public schools just like the "I Have A Dream" speech and the "Gettysburg Address".
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.
As a sociaalist, I fully agree. @kylezo
Can’t be because republicans are afraid of crt which is what this would fall under lol
Indeed
@@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
If only mainstream news would show this every year...
Or Black News. If they won't, we should. We have BET, Steven A Smith, the voice, shaderoom, etc
A rare case of honesty in a speech.
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.
@@kathym6603 whose bot is this
Germany is using Ukraine, and etc, to finish The 4th Reich. Look into it; deeply.
You don't listen to enough historical speeches. I recommend Martin Luther Kings full, uncut speeches. I also recommend speeches from James Baldwin.
@@kathym6603Propaganda by another name.
"Would disgrace a nation of savages . . . " is right!
Those lines got me too. Just look at our crimes in Palestine.
@@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.
@@jrutt2675your mind is demonic, to type this in 2024, demonstrates yo are not far removed from being a savage!
That is a load of crap and only an idiot would fix his fingers to type such garbage.@@jrutt2675
Damn, Douglas had the blacks number.
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 📚📘📖
What about being taught to give praises to a Big Fat Santa Claus.
James E Jones
Thank You Sir
You are a Blessing❤
If Frederick Douglass delivered that message today, Maga types would attack him on Fox News relentlessly!
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 ❤🇺🇲💙🇨🇦
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
Timeless words to awaken the NATION and expose truth!
This should be broadcast to every home in America and the world.
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.
It was delivered to abolitionists.
At least some white Americans have a damn.
Thank you Amy!
Applied Knowledge is Power RIP Frederick Douglass
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.
"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.
Thank you for the focus on Frederick Douglass. Happy Independence Day!
"Happy independence day" 🤦♂️
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
@@practicalwerewolf cognitive dissonance
@@kendallwalls9167I don't qwhite understand 😂
@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.
His words show not only how far we have come as a nation but also how much further we have left to go.
How far have we come tho lol 😂
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.
What were they before they became native americans? Siberians, Mongolians, Asians, wyt Europeans, and possibly hindustanians...
I listen to this every single year, thank you J.E.J and democracy now
That was awesome ❤❤❤
Also let us listen to my hero Paul Robeson!
I think I will! VIDEO: Paul Robeson: On colonialism, African-American rights (Spotlight, ABC,1960)
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?
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….
When they have to pay reparations they will stop going to war and will stop colonization
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.
Nations which are powerful have done this forever.
@@pranavpillai7778
That doesn't make it any less alarming or sh---y.
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.
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
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 what kneeling during national anthem was about. Not everyone was considered free
Amazing and powerful speech
Wow! What a powerful speech and how relevant those words are for todays times in which we live!! Thank you!!!
Beautiful. Timeless. Brilliant.
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
He speaks to us still. Thanks.
That’s what I call a speech. Frederick Douglass was force to be reckoned with. James Earl Jones is a fitting representative. Thanks for this inspiring video.
Mr Frederick Douglas should have been president.
A greater orator and statesman this nation has NEVER produced.
To be born in captivity and make it as far as he did, always fighting for civil rights. It brings a tear to my eye.
Hard Not to think of these Wise Words of Frederick Douglass, today. July 4, 2024. 🙏🏿😔
Mr. James Earl Jones -one of the last great speaker of this time. GOD bless.
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.
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.
The demon-cratic party is the new slave master….
try staying in school and off drugs....
The 4th of July is such a LIE!
No it’s right there on the calendar. Every month has a fourth day actually if you look into it.
@@mastercabbage literalist huh?
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.
@@kathym6603most of the founding fathers were slave holders 😅
@@hoosierbaddy3052 Yeah hes so pithy ..what a pity
Frederick Douglass was a wonderful statesman and courageous to speak truth when ears did not want to hear. We as Americans should follow his great example and do the right thing.
VOTE BLUE STRAIGHT UP AND DOWN THE BALLOT ON NOVEMBER 5, 2024 TO FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT AGAINST RACISM AND OPPRESSION.
Frederick Douglass was such an incredible man and his works still apply today. As always, James Earl Jones is such an eloquent and passionate speaker - perfect choice to deliver Douglass’ speech.
I agree. I understand. I respect every word.
I don’t say Happy 4 th of July. 4 th of July has nothing to do with me. My descendants were African slaves.
I'm sure Native Americans feel the same way.
@@exuberant8385 Especially the Native Americans without a doubt.
Took the words out of my heart!
Very moving. Thank you for this!
Not a slave he was enslaved.
Thanks for the technicality that is actually vitally important.
Yes, a person that is enslaved is a slave.
@@kylezo TRUMP IS THAT U
@@kylezo you missed the point.
We need more leaders like this man.
My father and son were named after Mr. Douglass. They both know what an honor it is to be named after such an amazing, articulate and intelligent man.
This should have 100 million views!!!!!
The original diss track
Wow!
I could listen to him read the phone book.
eloquent words and powerfully read.
If there were any independence from the crown, it was short-lived.
Excellent Show. Thanks for providing this truth to all on your special day. God knows all things and will set matters straight in a sooner time. 🙏
Beautiful! Power to the people! Still Powerful and relevant generations later 👊🏾
Powerful message,and the right person to read this historical reading! What legends!!
BANGER
Thank you for playing this every year
Inspiring And Refreshing
2:18 I have enjoyed these readings immensely. Thank you Amy!
Thank you for this revealed letter.
Absolutely!!!!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Happy Independence Day America!!!!!
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.
It's good that you play this every year; especially this July 4th, 2024...& Scotus's unconstitutional ruling.
True Fact!
Darth Vader understand the DARK SIDE.
Mufassa too it seems.
Donald Trump is the Sith Lord Darth Sidious/Supreme Chancellor/Emperor Palpatine
Bravo 👏🏽 👏🏽👏🏽
Thank you, Amy
This was excellent. Thank-you.
We love a re-upload!!
Beautiful, beautifully hurt....I think about the Palestinians. 😢😢😢
Wow of course you do 😢
It is disgusting you guys always want to bring up Palestinians. Palestinians don’t care about the iconic Frederick Douglas.
Yep. Hearded into that small area only to be shot like fish in a barrel.
This is america's shame.
Me, too.
@@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.
Rochester! My beloved hometown! There is much we have to strive for again
What I always said was July 3rd we were slaves, July 4th we were slaves, and July 5th we were still slaves so what am I celebrating
You know better you do better❤ what is it to a black person your democracy?
Very much needed
Real Life! 2024
I think that just about sums it all up. No other words need be spoken.
POWERFUL SPEECH!
And over a 160-year period, it has gotten monstrously worse!
Frederick Douglass was one of the best writers and orators ever to come from the US. And this is despite the fact that in learning to read and write he was breaking the law, therefor he had to learn to read and write on the sly, always looking over his shoulder to make sure no-one could see what he was doing, since he knew that it was illegal for a slave to learn to read, and write and he knew he could be punished for learning to read and write.
These words ring a sad reality that STILL exists! JULY 4th is THEIR day of liberty and justice that is far from inclusive! Mr. Douglas would openly SOB 😭 to witness OUR people today!
He would sob to witness what a mess many of your people make of it, indeed
@@billieboybuddha4238Right back at you!
The man that is not willing to fight for his Rights and justice,does not Deserve it 🇯🇲🧐
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.
"At a time like this scorching irony, not convincing argument, is needed."
Eloquence and relevance. 💙
Very good job with much love and
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
Thank you for making it all about you.
Astounding, liberating
Reparations.
Yes…make that *lineage based cash reparations* only. Cut the checks!
I believe the same can be said of all National Holidays
The 4th of You-Lie! Democracy is Hypocrisy ~Malcolm X
always good to remind everyone around these times about ALL sides of history
Powerful truth