Resources | Reading Frederick Douglass Together

Plan your Douglass event

Read our guidelines for hosting a successful event.

recipe for a successful reading

We believe a more inclusive society that embraces diverse voices and different perspectives is possible. And that work starts right here. At Mass Humanities, we are committed to championing inclusion, opportunity, equitable access and diverse representation both internally and in Massachusetts.

Step 1: Choose a location

We suggest that you read the speech at a local event or commemoration. Any number of places would make for a good reading, such as with the lunch crowd in a public place, at the public library, during a 4th of July family barbecue, before the local fireworks display, or at microphones set up on the steps of the town hall. You could also work with a private group and use the speech as your book club’s monthly read, for example.

Step 2: Come Prepared

The speech (edited for different lengths) can be downloaded here. Make copies for readers and audience members. If it is a large event, you may need to arrange for amplification, and depending on the location, you may need to get a permit from your town hall and/or arrange for wheelchair access and seating. If your event will include a moderated discussion, be sure to prepare for that. Local (community) colleges are great places to find discussion leaders, and Mass Humanities will fund a reasonable stipend for a humanities scholar to serve as a discussion leader.

Step 3: Food and Drink

People talk more freely and happily if they can have something to eat and drink. If the event is public, oftentimes a local market (including the supermarket) is willing to donate cookies or fruit and lemonade.

Step 4: Draw a Crowd

Invite locally well-known persons to introduce the event or start off the reading. Collaborate with other organizations so that you will have more attendees, more resources, and more publicity. (Consider if you will need a permit and/or amplification.)