Wellesley community unites to read Frederick Douglass speech at start of Black History Month

To mark the beginning of Black History Month, on Sunday, Feb. 1, Wellesley Hills Congregational Church hosted a reading of Frederick Douglass’ inspiring speech, What to a Slave is the Fourth of July? (see video of reading).

The event included musical interludes by the Wellesley High School Jazz Combo, a timely introduction by Dr. James Kloppenberg, and 50 readers sharing passages of the speech.

This event was planned by a team of community members and the readers represented over 20 Wellesley organizations.

More: Black History Month events in and near Wellesley