06/30/2026
We are so proud to present to you a powerful recitation of Frederick Douglass’s historic address, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” Performed by Larry Moorse (Larry Morse) The speech was originally delivered on July 5, 1852, in Rochester, New York, at a meeting organized by the Rochester Ladies’ Anti-Slavery Society. Nearly 175 years later, these words remain a reflection of the black American experience.
Thank you, Larry, for bringing this address to life. Your generosity in sharing your talents, your tenacity in honoring the weight of these words, and your willingness to step fully into such a vulnerable performance gave us one of the most moving moments Torrington has witnessed.
Juneteenth is a moment of reflection — not only for Black people, but for all people — on how far this country has come, and how far it still has to go. We cannot call ourselves a free nation unless we are all free. 🕊️
If you were in the room, you felt it. Tell us in the comments: what line has stayed with you? And if you weren’t there — what does freedom mean to you this Juneteenth? We want to hear from every single one of you. Be honest.
