"Fourth of July" by William Lloyd Garrison 1844

This poem by abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison that appeared in the 1844 issue of the Anti Slavery Almanac reminded Americans that not everyone enjoyed the same freedom on Independence Day:

"Men like household goods or servile beasts

Are bought and sold, kidnapped and pirated;

Driven in droves e'en by the Capitol;

Then haul our striped and starry banner down;

Our cannon freight not; stop the noisy breath

Of heartless patriotism; be our praise unsung.

To-day we'll not disourse of British wrong,

Of valorous feats in arms by freemen bold,

Nor spit on kings, nor tauntingly call names;

But we will fall upon our bended knees,

And weep in bitterness of heart, and pray

Our God to save us from his gathering wrath;

We will no longer multiply our boasts

Of Liberty, till All are truly free."

--W. L. Garrison

[source: Photo credit - JHC Archives; The Jay Heritage Center is proud to be a member site of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area in recognition fo our educational programs in American History and Social Justice as they examine the themes of Freedom and Dignity]