In Frederick Douglass’s speech, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July”, Douglass states that even though everyone celebrates the 4th of July as Independence Day, he feels that he shouldn’t celebrate it because he still feels the pain of being a slave and he’ll never really be free. Even though Africans aren’t slaves anymore, everything is still unfair. They aren’t allowed to vote, they can’t use public restrooms, and they can’t even go into certain places!
“The American church is guilty, when viewed in connection with what it is doing to uphold slavery; but it is extremely guilty when viewed in connection with its ability to abolish slavery!” This quote signifies how furious he is with the American church. The church thinks that God put Africans on this earth to serve the white people. “But the church of this country is not only indifferent to the wrongs of die slave, it actually takes sides with the oppressors. It has made itself the bulwark of American slavery, and the shield of American slave-hunters.” This quote further explains the power of the American church’s ability to abolish slavery in the United States.
“Allow me to say, in conclusion, notwithstanding the dark picture I have this day presented of the state of the nation, I do not despair of this country. There are forces in operation, which must inevitably work the downfall of slavery. ‘The arm of the lord is not shortened’, and the doom of slavery is certain. I, therefore, leave off where I began, with hope…” Frederick Douglass’s wish came true. Now people of all races live together in the United States of America.