The Fourth of July is the quintessential American holiday to commemorate the Declaration of Independence. The holiday has been associated with fireworks, parades, picnics, and other patriotic celebrations.  A basic history lesson reminds us that slavery was not legally abolished until 87 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed.  Listen to the descendants of Frederick Douglass read excerpts from his speech, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth Of July?”

True patriotism springs from a belief in the dignity of the individual, freedom and equality not only for Americans but for all people on Earth.” Eleanor Roosevelt