Strafford News

The Dover Public Library will again host the annual reading of Frederick Douglass' speech "The Meaning of the Fourth of July for the Negro", which he delivered on July 5, 1852, in his hometown of Rochester, New York.

The library hosts the reading in Dover in collaboration with the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire and many other readings in communities across the state, all taking place annually on the Saturday before July 4 at noon. The hope is that these readings will be a starting point for difficult dialogues and provide an opportunity for citizens to engage in deeper conversation that will lead to actions to help build more inclusive and just communities today.

The abridged speech is broken up into 54 sections. Those interested in reading one or more sections are encouraged to contact Susan Dunker at the library by emailing s.dunker@dover.nh.gov or calling the library at 603-516-6050 to be added to the list of speakers and assigned a part. Or register to be a speaker here. Readers and audience members are both needed to make this event a success.

This year the event will be part of the City's 400th celebration Block Party on Saturday, July 1. Speakers are asked to report at Waldron Courtyard, located on Central Avenue between former Nicole's Hallmark Shop and Harvey's Bakery and Jewelry Creations. Readers are asked to show up to be checked in by 11:30 a.m.

Original source can be found here.