Born on the Fourth of July

Frederick Douglass (1818-1895) was an abolitionist publisher and orator in the anti-slave movement. He was born in to slavery and escaped in 1838. He was invited to speak about how the Fourth of July meant for the black population in the U.S. In acceptance, Douglass presented his speech in Rochester, New York on July 5th 1852. In his speech, he attacks the irony and hypocrisy of the nation’s patriotic holiday that celebrates freedom and independence, while most of the black population were still…

who learned how to read on his own and realized he could do what any free man could do, making him feel like he needed to be free as well. He gave his speech in front of an audience of New York abolitionists and reminded them that the holiday of Fourth of July is a celebration for whites, but it was also a day for remembering the slaves and previous ones just like he was. It was an unkempt promise of freedom for everyone that was stated in the Declaration of Independence (Douglass). He was an…

Sojourner Truth Isabella Van Wagenen or Sojourner Truth has been through many obstacles in her life that she was able to overcome.She was born Isabella Hardenbergh. Isabella spoke Dutch, which is why she called her mom Mau Mau- which means mama in Dutch- and she called her dad Baumfree- which means tree in Dutch. She had one brother whom she had met at the time, Peter. The other 10 or 9 were sold away. Belle said her father was "Very tall and straight when young." But in 1799, when…

meal was executed, they all agreed on the basic components to the meal-I didn’t. I’ve never had the famous green bean casserole much less pumpkin pie-I’m allergic but, it wouldn’t matter because in my culture we eat our specialty foods. Although I was born here my parents are from Central America, so in my family we celebrate holidays as my parents would in their country. For Thanksgiving we don’t have a turkey but instead have pupusas, panes con pollo, tamales and for dessert: arroz con leche,…

Wanex 5-2 The Wrongfulness of Slavery Frederick Douglass’s famous speech “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July” is a powerful speech focused on the hypocrisy of actions of the United States and how they lead to the development of slavery. He specifically argues that the holiday of the Fourth of July, meant to celebrate the freedom and independence that the United States gained from Britain, was actually a mockery of slaves, who lived in bondage. He believes that it is a celebration of ideals…

Christopher Columbus was born in Genoe, now known as Italy, in 1451. His father, Domenico Colombo, was a poor weaver. Columbus had three brothers and one sister. Although, very little is known about Columbus’ childhood, it is apparent that he was well-educated as he was able to speak several languages and had knowledge in classical literature.Columbus’ third voyage took more of a southern route, as he was looking for China. He came across Trinidad and Tobago, Margarita, and Grenada in July 31st,…

“What to the Slave is the Fourth of July” is a speech created and given by Frederick Douglass on July 5, 1852, to denounce the hypocrisy behind the celebrations of one’s freedom when others still don’t have it. Frederick Douglass was a well-known abolitionist and former slave that challenges the implication of slavery through his knowledge, the manipulation of human emotion, and logical reasoning. His use of Pathos and Logos in the speech were able to reveal those unforeseen consequences of his…

Nat Turner was a black man born in Virginia on a plantation owned by Benjamin Turner where he was instructed on how to read and write and taught religion. He was sold three times and eventually hired out to John Travis where he became a fiery preacher, claiming he was chosen by God to free his people. During an eclipse in 1831, Nat Turner believed he had received a sign from God that he should kill the slave owners with their own weapons. He enlisted the help of four other slaves and together on…

true belief to prove all men equal regardless of color. Frederick Douglas was born in slavery as Frederick Augustus Washington Baily near Easton in Talbot County, Maryland around 1817 or 1818, the exact date is unknown. Douglass’s father is unknown, but believed to been one of the plantation owners, his mother died early in his childhood when he was around 10.…

Race vs. Society The American society today still doesn’t understand the history of African-Americans, nor accept them as whole individuals to the American culture. Its still obvious the lifestyle today as a black individual is very different from as a white one. The word racism is used rhetorically often, but it’s not about the word it’s the fact that white people are basically in control of blacks in America’s society. Transitioning from slavery to segregation, then to present day racism…