Power In Sisters - Sister Power

On this day in history, July 5, 1852, Frederick Douglass delivered a speech for the 4th of July celebration in Rochester, New York.

During his speech Douglass said it was inappropriate for him to celebrate freedoms that are not yet extended to blacks.
Douglass also responded to claims that he was too critical of the United States. He was asked, by his friends, to use less forceful rhetoric.

During his response he said "The feeling of the nation must be quickened...Scorching irony, not convincing argument is needed. It is not light that's needed, but fire! It is not a gentle shower that's needed, but thunder!"