Black Agenda Report
Black Agenda Report
News, commentary and analysis from the black left.

  • Home
  • Africa
  • African America
  • Education
  • Environment
  • International
  • Media and Culture
  • Political Economy
  • Radio
  • US Politics
  • War and Empire

"What to the Slave is the 4th of July?" read by Ossie Davis
Black Agenda Radio with Margaret Kimberley
01 Jul 2022
🖨️ Print Article

Black Agenda Radio · "What to the Slave is the 4th of July?" read by Ossie Davis

On July 5, 1852 Frederick Douglass was asked to speak on the topic of the nation’s independence celebration. Now known as "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?", the speech was a stinging indictment of slavery in the U.S., but the words are still relevant to Black people 170 years later. The late Ossie Davis read excerpts from Douglass’s remarks.

Slavery in U.S.
Frederick Douglass

Related Podcasts

Frederick Douglass
Black Agenda Radio with Margaret Kimberley
"What to the Slave is the 4th of July?" read by Ossie Davis
03 July 2024
As we grow closer to the Fourth of July, BAR once again shares
Twenty Dollars and Change: Harriet Tubman and the Ongoing Fight for Racial Justice and Democracy
Black Agenda Radio with Margaret Kimberley
Twenty Dollars and Change: Harriet Tubman and the Ongoing Fight for Racial Justice and Democracy
03 March 2023
Black Agenda Radio July 1, 2022
Black Agenda Radio with Margaret Kimberley
Black Agenda Radio July 1, 2022
01 July 2022
We discuss reproductive justice in the wake of the supreme court ruling which overturned the Roe v. Wade decision.

More Stories


  • In the Year of the Pig: The Real Vietnam War Heroes
    Ann Garrison , BAR contributor
    In the Year of the Pig: The Real Vietnam War Heroes
    29 Aug 2018
    John McCain’s death triggered mass media regurgitations of Vietnam-era imperial racism and just plain idiocy, but also reminded us of those who risked everything to stop the war.
  • Spike Lee’s Film Makes Cop That Spied on Blacks Into Hero
    Boots Riley
    Spike Lee’s Film Makes Cop That Spied on Blacks Into Hero
    29 Aug 2018
    Boots Riley says Spike Lee’s new movie is propaganda designed to make police look like allies in the fight against racial oppression.
  • Memphis Cops Spy on Black Activists -- and Dare Anybody to Try and Stop Them
    Jamiles Lartey
    Memphis Cops Spy on Black Activists -- and Dare Anybody to Try and Stop Them
    29 Aug 2018
    Memphis cops blatantly flaunt their targeting of Black activists, despite a judge’s ruling that the cops have violated a federal consent decree by continuing political surveillance.
  • Demanding an End to 'Modern Day Slavery,' Prisoners Launch Multi-Day Nationwide Strike
    Jessica Corbett
    Demanding an End to 'Modern Day Slavery,' Prisoners Launch Multi-Day Nationwide Strike
    29 Aug 2018
    At root, striking prisoners demand they be treated as human beings; the rest of their demands flow logically from recognition of their humanity.
  • BAR Book Forum: Omise’eke Tinsley’s “Ezili’s Mirrors”
    Roberto Sirvent, BAR Book Forum Editor
    BAR Book Forum: Omise’eke Tinsley’s “Ezili’s Mirrors”
    29 Aug 2018
    This book asks readers ‘to follow Ezili’s lead by imagining worlds in which black women, black queer folk, masisi…ev’ry body has value—ev’ry black body is a divine gift.’”
  • Load More
Subscribe
connect with us
about us
contact us