The Meaning of the 4th of July for the Negro [Audio CD]

Frederick Douglass (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1993

Before radio and television, Americans flocked to churches, tents and lecture halls to be entertained and enlightened. In that age of oratory, many judged Frederick Douglass to have had the greatest voice. The Rochester (New York) Ladies Anti-Slavery Society in 1852 invited Frederick Douglass to give a Fourth of July Oration commemorating the United States 76th birthday. Mr. Douglass agreed to speak, but not on that date, saying, "This Fourth of July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn." Delivered on July 5th, 1852 at Corinthian Hall in Rochester, The Meaning of the Fourth of July for the Negro is considered the greatest anti-slavery speech leading to the Civil War. One can only imagine what a magnificent trial lawyer Frederick Douglass would have been! On that July 5th, speaking to a primarily white audience, Mr. Douglass opens by reminding his listeners of the noble truths upon which their forefathers founded the United States. Having drawn his audience in, he proceeds to delineate the horrors of the slave system. Listen at that point for one of the album's highlights, a poignant and horrifying description of a forced slave march to the New Orleans Slave Auction. Mr. Douglass concludes with a breathtaking call upon all Americans, and especially people of color, to make the freedoms and justice celebrated on the 4th of July a reality for all Americans.

--This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Ages 14-adult. In 1852, Frederick Douglass was invited to give a patriotic speech commemorating our country'seventy-sixth birthday. The talk, delivered deliberately on July 5, is considered one of the greatest anti-slavery speeches given prior to the Civil War.... Fred Morsell, an actor who often portrays Douglass in a one-man play, superbly delivers these historic speeches. This is first-class, primary-source material that will be of value in school, college, and public libraries." -- S. Gilmary Speirs, Booklist, 12/15/93

"The speeches are powerfully delivered here by Fred Morsell, a stage and television actor, and would be useful to classes in American history as well as black studies." -- John E. Miller, Troy City Schools, Ohio, School Library Journal, August 1993

"These speeches, here re-created by Fred Morsell, are the first releases in an audio series entitled "Frederick Douglass' Greatest Speeches" that seeks to spread awareness of the words of one of the nation' greatest orators and advocates of civil rights for all. Douglass (1818-1895) delivered "The Meaning of the Fourth of July for the Negro"--considered the greatest anti-slavery speech leading to the Civil War--following an 1852 request by the Rochester (New York) Ladies Anti-slavery Society that he speak at an Independence Day rally. The abolitionist and former slave agreed, but insisted that the date be changed to July 5, declaring that "the Fourth of July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn." -- American History Illustrated, July/August 1993 --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

From the Publisher

TBM Records is particularly honored that a short audio segment from The Meaning of the Fourth of July for the Negro will be included in an article on Frederick Douglass to be published in the Microsoft Encarta 2000 Multi-Media Encyclopedia, scheduled for release in October 1999. In a 1993 blurb written for the first two albums in the Frederick Douglass' Greatest Speeches spoken word series, Warren M. Robbins, Founder of the National Museum of African Art and the Frederick Douglass Institute, wrote, "These are truly outstanding recordings of great educational value to teachers and totally inspiring to students. More than any other performer, Fred Morsell becomes Frederick Douglass and is thrilling to listen to." Since 1993, the albums have been regularly available at the Smithsonian; at Frederick Douglass' home, "Cedar Hill" in Anacostia, across the Potomac from Washington, D.C.; at the National Women's Historical Park in Seneca Falls, New York; and at the African American Museum in Wilberforce, Ohio. --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

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Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Victory Audio Video Services (January 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883210011
• ISBN-13: 978-1883210014
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 4.8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,499,349 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)