Commemorate Independence Day with a reading of Frederick Douglass' powerful Fourth of July address, "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July" at Historic Stagville State Historic Site. 

This is a participatory community reading. Every year, 60 volunteers sign up to read passages from this famous abolitionist speech in front of the historic slave quarters at Horton Grove. You may sign up as a reader when you arrive. 

This year's reading will mark a special date for reflection and remembrance: the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Douglass delivered this powerful speech about freedom and injustice on July 5, 1852, at an Independence Day celebration in Rochester, New York. Douglass' speech remains one of the most famous abolitionist texts in United States history. The speech resonates today, inviting all to reflect on the United States' founding ideals and our shared history of slavery and freedom.

A PDF of the speech text will be available via Historic Stagville's website. We suggest you print or download your own copy to bring to follow along! Some copies will be available in person at the event.

Bring a chair or blanket to sit on the grounds. The event will be outdoors at the historic slave quarters at Horton Grove at 5925 Jock Road, Bahama, NC 27503. Attendees must walk less than one hundred yards over uneven grass or gravel to reach the reading site. Porta-potties will be available on site.

This free event lasts about 1 hour, with the option to view inside the original slave quarters or Great Barn at Horton Grove afterwards.