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
03 Jul 2024
🖨️ Print Article

Black Agenda Radio · "What to the Slave is the 4th of July?" read by Ossie Davis
As we grow closer to the Fourth of July, BAR once again shares this piece - a reading of "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" read by Ozzie 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
Frederick Douglass
July 4th

Related Podcasts

Gerald Horne
Black Agenda Radio with Margaret Kimberley
Gerald Horne Discusses His Book "The Capital of Slavery: Washington DC 1800 - 1865"
27 June 2025
Dr. Gerald Horne is an author and historian who currently holds the John J.
Black Agenda Radio
Black Agenda Radio with Margaret Kimberley
Black Agenda Radio March 7, 2025
07 March 2025
In this week’s segment we discuss the continued genocide in Gaza despite the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Rikers Island
Black Agenda Radio with Margaret Kimberley
Rikers Island, Slave Catching, and the Modern Carceral State
07 March 2025
Darren Mack is co-founder and co-director of Freedom Agenda, an organization devoted to d

More Stories


  • Why Embracing Anti-Colonialism Made Malcolm a Marked Man
    ​​​​​​​ Ajamu Baraka, BAR editor and columnist
    Why Embracing Anti-Colonialism Made Malcolm a Marked Man
    22 Feb 2023
    Malcolm X was a legendary revolutionary who is still loved by millions of people. The anniversary of his assassination is an opportunity to reflect on his impact.
  • The Israel of Africa
    Ann Garrison, BAR Contributing Editor
    The Israel of Africa
    22 Feb 2023
    Rwanda and Israel reinforce each other's license to kill based on past victimization, and Rwanda supports Israel at the African Union.
  • Who bombed Palestine this time?
    Raymond Nat Turner, BAR poet-in-residence
    Who bombed Palestine this time?
    22 Feb 2023
                                                           …
  • BAR Book Forum: Kemi Adeyemi’s Book, “Feels Right”
    Roberto Sirvent, BAR Book Forum Editor
    BAR Book Forum: Kemi Adeyemi’s Book, “Feels Right”
    22 Feb 2023
    This week’s featured author is Kemi Adeyemi. Adeyemi is an Associate Professor of Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies and Director of The Black Embodiments Studio at the University of Washington.…
  • Why And How to End the War in Ukraine
    Jacqueline Luqman
    Why And How to End the War in Ukraine
    22 Feb 2023
    Jacqueline Luqman was a panelist on the February 16, 2023 webinar Why and How to End the War in Ukraine, which was sponsored by Chicago Area Peace Action. These were her remarks.
  • Load More
Subscribe
connect with us
about us
contact us