2024 marks the 6th year for this event. Check back soon for more information!

Join us as we celebrate the legacy of Frederick Douglass by reading one of his most famous speeches together. The event will be followed with a discussion led by our Project Scholar, Steven Flythe. This event is free and all are encouraged to attend and participate. Please RSVP through this link to receive updated details and information.

The Somerville Museum hosts an annual reading of Frederick Douglass’ famous address, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” delivered to an AntiSlavery Society in 1852. We are part of a number of communities across the Commonwealth that read this address together and reflect on our past and present. The readings are followed with a discussion led by our Project Scholar, Steven Blythe. This year, we’re also joining forces with local organizations – Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS), the City of Somerville’s Department of Racial and Social Justice, and Bow Market. This program is supported, and sponsored by Mass Humanities.

This program is supported in part by a grant from Mass Humanities, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. 

Special thanks to the Bow Market team for continuing to be wonderful partners and allowing us to use their space for this important event.