Summary:

In his speech “What to the Negro is Fourth of July, Frederick Douglass is talking about the fourth of July being independence day for White Americans but not for the African Americans. The fourth of July is based upon freedom, equality, happiness, dignity. However, none of these were given to the African Americans. 

Quote: “Fellow-citizens, pardon me, allow me to ask, why am I called upon to speak here to-day? What have I, or those I represent, to do with your national independence?” (Douglass, p.7)

Paraphrase: Douglass is wondering why he has been called on stage to deliver a speech.

Response: Douglass does not believe that American independence is the same for him. He claims that he does not represent American independence because he and his people are oppressed. He does not feel free in this land. 

Quote: “Your high independence only reveals the immeasurable distance between us.” (Douglass, p.7)

Paraphrase: The Americans’ independence shows the difference between them and the African Americans. 

Response: The White Americans’ independence shows how much the African Americans don’t have much independence. The white people have justice, liberty, power, prosperity, and independence. However, African Americans don’t have that in common.