Fair warning: this speech is not going to make you feel all warm and fuzzy about July 4th being a day full of fireworks, Rocket Pops, charred burgers, and repeated viewings of Independence Day.

For Douglass, the Fourth of July is a strong symbol of American hypocrisy—indeed, the whole speech is based on this idea—and he mentions it by name several times:

This Fourth of July is yours, not mine. (19)

[T]he character and conduct of this nation never looked blacker to me than on this Fourth of July. (30)

What to the American slave is your Fourth of July? (80)

Each time Douglass mentions the Fourth of July, he contrasts the ideal of freedom with the reality of slavery. So, during your next July 4th grill fest, think of Douglass while you're lighting up those sparklers.