Celebrate Juneteenth with Us

Join the and the Westford Historical Society and the Westford Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee for a community reading of Frederick Douglass’ speech, "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" on Friday evening, June 19, at 7 PM at the First Parish Church United, located at 48 Main Street, Westford. Our keynote speaker will be Professor Robert Forrant from UMass Lowell.

Frederick Douglass delivered the speech “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” on July 5, 1852. In this powerful address, Douglass highlighted the contradiction of celebrating American values like liberty and freedom, which were systematically denied to enslaved people. He emphasized the profound exploitation and inhumane treatment that individuals faced in the United States, expressing genuine concern for their suffering and hardships.

We are excited to announce that the Westford Historical Society and the Westford Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Committee have received a "Reading Frederick Douglass Together grant from Mass Humanities with funding made possible by the Mass Cultural Council! Follow Mass Humanities to learn more about the important work they're doing across the Commonwealth.

We invite you to be part of this meaningful event!