The Inspiration Nation

Yesterday (July 4), Americans commemorated the 231st anniversary of the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain, which occurred in 1776.

For many, it is a day to celebrate and honor the founding fathers of what became the United States of America for risking their lives in order to secure liberation from British rule and thereafter live by self-determination.  The purpose of the Declaration document is set forth in its preamble:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."

On the 76th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Frederick Douglass gave an eloquent speech holding, among other things, that America had not honored its promise of "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness" to all of Her citizens.

That speech, given before the Anti-slavery Society in Rochester, New York on July 5, 1852 is titled "The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro."

I invite you to hear me read Douglass' speech.  In many ways, his message is as accurate and applicable today as it was when he first delivered it, 155 years ago.

To listen now, click the play button (you can also pause and fast forward or backward in a segment):

 
To download to your computer to listen burn on a CD or add to your iPod, click HERE, OR

 
(The speech is a rather long (duration: 01:19:35) in comparison to what we are accustomed to today, but it is well worth it!  You may wish to listen in intervals or while driving or exercising.)