Mass Humanities funds virtual and in-person gatherings across the commonwealth.
An unprecedented number of Massachusetts communities will host readings of Frederick Douglass’ speech, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” this summer. Through its Reading Frederick Douglass Together program, Mass Humanities will fund 20 events that welcome residents to read and discuss the powerful words of the 1852 speech.
“The words of Frederick Douglass continue to resonate as we confront systemic racism and the legacy of slavery,” said Brian Boyles, Executive Director of Mass Humanities. “As we witness new efforts to remove the history of slavery from classrooms and public memory, it is an honor to partner with these communities as they make the courageous decision to reckon with our past.”
Held in town squares, libraries, museums and online, the readings and discussions feature members of the public gathered to read parts of the speech until they have completed it. The tradition of shared readings of the speech began in African American communities and continues to grow nationally.
This year’s events take place in the following communities: Amherst, Boston, Dorchester, East Falmouth, Jamaica Plain, Marion, Milton, Newburyport, Newton, New Bedford, Northampton, Norwood, Oak Bluffs, Plainfield, Sharon, Somerville (two events), Swampscott, and Worcester.
Douglass escaped from slavery in 1838, found freedom in New Bedford, and lived for many years in Massachusetts. He delivered the Fourth of July speech on July 5, 1852, in Rochester, New York, to the Rochester Ladies’ Anti-Slavery Society. Read more on his life and works on MassMoments.org.
2021 Mass Humanities-funded Events
JUNE 19 – Juneteenth
Boston
New Democracy Coalition of MA
6 Percival Street
Dorchester
Freedom House
5 Crawford Street
JUNE 24
Milton
Forbes House Museum
215 Adams Street
JULY 1
Newburyport
Historical Society of Old Newbury
98 High Street
New Bedford
New Bedford Historical Society
Seamen’s Bethel Church
15 Johnny Cake Hill
Somerville
Somerville Museum
One Westwood Road
Swampscott
Swampscott Public Library
61 Burrill Street
Worcester
Worcester Common
Worcester Roots
4 King Street
JULY 2
Boston – POSTPONED to July 9 at Museum of African American History
46 Joy St.
Mass Humanities and partners
Boston Common – Shaw Memorial
JULY 3
Northampton – POSTPONED to July 5
Historic Northampton
In partnership with Mass Humanities and the Office of Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa
64 Bridge St
Marion
Marion Art Center
MOVED DUE TO RAIN to
First Congregational Community Center, 10am
144 Front Street
Newton
Jackson Homestead and Museum
City of Newton Cultural Development Department
1294 Centre Street
Sharon – Postponed to July 5
Sharon Historical Society
16 High Street
JULY 4
Amherst
South Congregational Church
1066 South East Street
Norwood
Old Parish Preservation Volunteers
Old Parish Cemetery
Directions
Oak Bluffs (virtual)
The Helene Johnson and Dorothy West Foundation For Artists In Need
Renaissance House
Plainfield
Plainfield Reads
Shaw Memorial Library
312 Main Street
Somerville
Community Action Agency of Somerville
66-70 Union Square
JULY 5
East Falmouth
Cape Cod Cape Verdean Museum and Cultural Center
67 Davisville Road
Northampton – POSTPONED from July 3
Historic Northampton
In partnership with Mass Humanities and the Office of Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa
64 Bridge St.
Sharon – Postponed from July 2
Sharon Historical Society
16 High Street
JULY 9
Boston, 12pm – Moved from July 2!
Mass Humanities and partners
Museum of African American History
46 Joy St.
JULY 18
Jamaica Plain
The Jamaica Plain Tuesday Club
The Loring Greenough House
12 South Street
Mass Humanities is the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The Reading Frederick Douglass Together program is made possible through funding from Mass Cultural Council.
