You know Frederick Douglass, but are you familiar with his 1852 speech, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” Join us to hear this powerful speech read aloud by members of our own community. Historian and Natick resident Brenna Greer will offer an introduction to the speech and facilitate dialogue afterwards. Coffee and snacks will be served.

This event will take place on Juneteenth (Monday, June 19) on the front steps of the Morse Institute Library in Natick. The reading will be filmed by local cable station, Natick Pegasus.

This event is free and open to the public, co-hosted by the Natick Historical Society and Natick for Black Lives Matter. Please bring your own chair or blanket. Bathrooms at the Morse Institute Library will NOT be open.

We have a record number of readers this year! If you would like to join the waitlist, please let us know here. Readers under 18 are encouraged to print and sign, along with a parent/guardian, this release form from Natick Pegasus.

Funding from Mass Humanities has been provided through the Massachusetts Cultural Council.