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Janet Ainsworth's avatar

This speech is in the window of Yale's Beinecke Rare Book Library. https://beinecke.library.yale.edu/weholdthesetruths

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Janet Ainsworth's avatar

The link also includes readings of these works. Although I live just outside of New Haven, I was unaware until I came across mention on Twitter as I was curating posts for my church Twitter account.

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Karen Guzowski's avatar

In 1973 I saw the musical Godspell. The song, "On The Willows", started running through my head as I read his speech. He was a remarkable man, who endured so much. So much of his speech is still playing out today. Will we ever rise above all of the hate and discrimination? Do we even want to strive to be a more perfect union, or will we sink back into the past? If Mr. Douglass could hope, so should we.

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Defendario's avatar

Thanks 4 this... Frederick D being a personal favorite

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My Walk's avatar

Omg, dang auto correct, please forgive Steven not Stephen, even Steven my comments still stand, thank you

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Steven Beschloss's avatar

All good. Thanks.

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My Walk's avatar

G d bless you Stephen, your efforts, writings and history are such an encouragement. I listened to the full reading of this over the holiday and continue to be inspired for the continual striving of that more perfect union. Thank you as with so many others continuing to fight the good fight for democracy and country. Keep on, keeping on with the inspiration. I, for one appreciate all of your efforts.

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C. A. Goss Jr's avatar

Thank you for posting so much of his speech. I have been posting parts of it and his other writings for a while. Including the ass-whipping he put on Mr. Covey. It should be required reading in every American classroom. From the trips to the big house for rations to the cowhide laid to the backs of the innocent.

An elegant man. Between him and James Baldwin, they lay bare the lie of white America. capitalism and Christianity. The heart of the slaver is alive and well.

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