When in 1852, The Rochester Ladies’ Anti-Slavery Society invited former slave Frederick Douglass to speak on the Fourth of July, he declined because, he explained: “The rich inheritance of justice, liberty, prosperity and independence, bequeathed by your fathers, is shared by you, not by me.” Instead, he spoke on July 5, laying out once and for all the horror of slavery and the monstrous hypocrisy that allowed its continuation in one of history’s most celebrated—and daring–speeches. A condensed version of that speech will be delivered this Sunday by the inimitable Bill Mettler
Rev. Dave Perkins
and Jennifer Watts
will recite the stirring poem “Caged Bird” by Maya Angelou,
and Barbara Atkinson
will present an original poem.
Rev. Larry Hall
will lead.
Pebble Celebrations are moderated by the Celebration leader. Participants are asked to remain muted during the flow of the program except for during the time for discussion and reflection, and until called upon by the leader. We reserve the right to remove you from the meeting for disruptive or disrespectful behavior.
