The meaning of July Fourth for the Negro

"I am not included within the pale of glorious anniversary! Your high independence only reveals the immeasurable distance between us. The blessings in which you, this day, rejoice, are not enjoyed in common. ÑThe rich inheritance of justice, liberty, prosperity and independence, bequeathed by your fathers, is shared by you, not by me. The sunlight that brought light and healing to you, has brought stripes and death to me. This Fourth July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn."

This speech of Douglass “The meaning of July Fourth for the Negro” was delivered when America was in the middle of the civil war, therefore the contest was relevant.  The speech underscores the injustice of the celebration of the Fourth of July for the “Negro”.  This commemoration was solely for the white man, not a celebration of all mankind.  Furthermore he declared “This Fourth of July is yours, not mine.” He is pointing of out since African Americans were subjugated, they were not citizen of the United States, therefore they do not feel that compassion, that belonging as far the July fourth celebration is concerned.

I believe that Douglass as a crucial point here. America is celebrating the Fourth of July, their Independence Day in other words their freedom from the British colonists, whereas other fellow Americans are still facing injustice, deprived of their rights and freedom. Even if our constitution is stating those famous words “All man are created equal.” Somehow African Americans at that time felt that marginalization in their own country.  Douglass, a former slave would understand.