Fellow citizens, pardon me, and allow me to ask, why am I called upon to speak here today? What have I or those I represent to do with your national independence? Are the great principles of political freedom and of natural justice, embodied in that Declaration of Independence, extended to us? And am I, therefore, called upon to bring our humble offering to the national altar, and to confess the benefits, and express devout gratitude for the blessings resulting from your independence to us? (1-4)

In the first paragraph of the speech, Douglass wonders aloud why he, a former slave, has been asked to speak on a day that celebrates freedom. What does freedom have to do with him or with other slaves? Does America represent them? Is he supposed to talk about how grateful he is for this opportunity?

The opening lines are meant to show Douglass' listeners that this speech will be unlike the celebratory speeches they've likely heard before. He's an unusual choice for a speaker…and this will be an unusual Fourth of July speech. If you're looking for patriotic pride and a delicious apple pie recipe, go elsewhere.