The Frederick Douglass Honor Society will host its annual community reading of “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” on Saturday, July 11, 2026, in front of the Talbot County Courthouse on Washington Street in Easton.

Originally delivered by Frederick Douglass in 1852, the speech remains one of the most powerful reflections on freedom, equality, and the meaning of American independence. Community members will gather to participate in a public reading and reflection on Douglass’s enduring words and their continued relevance today.

The annual event invites residents and visitors alike to honor Douglass’s legacy while engaging in conversation about history, justice, and the ongoing pursuit of liberty for all.