Douglass’ 1852 Speech Remembered, Discussed In New Bedford

The New Bedford Historical Society is again remembering the contributions of abolitionist Frederick Douglass. 

The Society on Wednesday hosted a communal reading at the Friends Meeting House of Douglass' fiery 1852 speech..."The Meaning of the Fourth of July to a Negro." 

Douglass told his audience that the nation was 76 years old, and reflected on what that meant.  Society presdient Lee Blake offers one view.....

Douglass came to New Bedford in 1838 after escaping slavery, and went on to become an outspoken advocate of freedom for all men and women. 

Douglas spoke across the country about the human sufferings of slavery.  He also served as an advisor to six Presidents . 

The Historical Society joins Mass. Humanities and other organizations honoring Douglass and his Fourth of July speech.