In and amongst the NO KINGS preparations, folks have been bouncing ideas around for alternative ways to observe the 4th of July, and a good way to start is with the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire sponsored reading of Frederick Douglass iconic speech “What, To the Slave, Is Your Fourth of July?” in Lebanon.

This renowned speech was first delivered by Douglass in 1852—thirteen years before the end of the Civil War and will take place this year in 20 communities around the Granite State, including Coburn Park in Lebanon. The public reading begins at noon, and you can volunteer to read a paragraph or two along with other members of the community. If youwould like to volunteer your voice to share Douglass’s stirring words, please contact Carol Rougvie (cbrougvie@gmail.com) or Brian Clancy (church@fccleb.org)

You can read the full text of the speech here.