Andrew Bibby’s article, “What, to the Slave, is the Fourth of July?” provides an overview of Fredrick Douglas’ speech delivered in Rochester in 1852. Generally, the speech criticizes America for its political tradition while claiming the Fourth of July is a “hypocritical sham” for the prevalent enslavement in the country (Bibby 1). Basically, the article explores the same themes in Douglas’s speech, like the Fourth of July’s history and how the day excludes some American citizens, particularly slaves. After reading the article, I have learned the history behind the popular Fourth of July celebration. Notably, it is an annual day to celebrate America’s independence from British colonialists. I have also learned that this day did not include all Americans since it sidelined minority groups like people of color. While others were celebrating freedom and independence, the day was a reminder to enslaved people of the injustices and brutality they often faced. Similarly, Bibby’s article also points out that the American forefathers did a great job in the country’s independence. Particularly, it highlights that they focused on raising national independence, liberty, and justice and preached peace. However, I have learned that the founding fathers failed to address slavery; hence most marginalized groups were subjected to injustices and brutality.

Additionally, the speech is a reenactment of Douglas’s speech given in 1852, focusing on the Fourth of July celebration and its symbolism to enslaved African Americans. From the speech, I learned that the “Fourth of July” was a day of commemoration for White folks while the enslaved Black people were not included. To the orator, celebrating the day is hypocritical as enslaved people were still in chains suffering under White supremacists. He asserts that the Fourth of July was a day for African Americans to reveal gross misconduct and cruelty subjected to them; basically, celebrating the day was a shame to enslaved people of color (US National Archives 00.20.00). In addition, I have also learned from the speech that Douglas did not denounce traditional American politics and its founding principles. Rather, Douglas calls upon American citizens to acknowledge the injustices and brutality subjected to enslaved people and act towards achieving liberty and equality for all Americans. It is interesting how the orator criticizes American society while having hope that the nation would live up to its founding principles and embrace inclusivity and equality for all. From the Douglas speech reenactment, I have gleaned that Douglas was born into slavery in 1818 in Maryland and became a slave for twenty years before escaping. Since he was a slave fugitive, he lived in fear, inspiring him to speak against slavery, hence making him a famous anti-slavery activist.

If Douglas were alive in contemporary society, he would not think the Fourth of July is a holiday for everyone. Despite slavery coming to an end, marginalized minority groups in American society are still excluded and face inequalities compared to White Americans. Research illustrates that non-White groups experience various social injustices, such as police brutality, racial inequality, discrimination, education inequality, and unequal job opportunities. An example is the fact that a good number of Black people are dying at the hands of police officers because of being black. In addition, minority ethnicities do not have access to equal opportunities in fields like employment, education and healthcare, unlike White folks. Thus, since inequalities and injustices still exist today, Douglas would not think Independence Day was a celebration for everyone as he fought for inclusivity, justice and equality for all. On the other hand, I believe Douglas would write a different speech to address modern-day problems experienced by marginalized groups like police brutality, high unemployment rates and LGBTQ. However, the message would remain the same in advocating for the country to live up to its founding principles in attaining equality and liberty for all.