Renaissance House Retreat for Writers & Artists invites the public to celebrate Independence Day by participating in the 12th annual free dramatic reading of Frederick Douglass' powerful landmark speech "What Does the Fourth of July Mean to the Negro?" at Martha's Vineyard's historic Inkwell Beach in Oak Bluffs on July 4 at 4:00pm. Readers of all ages are invited to help bring the words of Frederick Douglass to life. Each volunteer reader will recite different sections of the 10,000-plus word address Douglass wrote during American slavery in 1852. Although it's been 166 years since Frederick Douglass delivered his Fourth of July speech at a convention in Rochester, New York, the message is especially resonating during today's turbulent political era.
"It's a stand for diversity and human rights," said Abigail McGrath, Founder of Renaissance House Retreat for Writers & Artists and host of the event. McGrath is a lifelong Martha's Vineyard resident who created this community reading to celebrate the continuing impact of Douglass, the first Black citizen in U.S. history to hold a high-ranking government office. "Frederick Douglass' words are being carried out over the Atlantic waters where millions of Africans lost their lives during the Middle Passage. These blue waters are the perfect natural backdrop for public open-air readings of the most powerful anti-slavery message of all time." The director-editor-producer of the Renaissance House program on Frederick Douglass is Makani Themba, Chief Strategist at Higher Ground Change Strategies based in Jackson, Mississippi. A social justice innovator and pioneer in the field of change communications and narrative strategy, she has spent more than 20 years supporting organizations, coalitions and philanthropic institutions in developing high impact change initiatives. Themba condensed the speech and tailored it to fit the needs of those who participate.Videos