Join Martha's Vineyard's Renaissance House July 4 for Reading of Frederick Douglass Speech on Beach

MARTHA'S VINEYARD, Mass. - June 30, 2015 - PRLog -- Renaissance House Retreat for Writers & Artists in Martha’s Vineyard invites people of all ages, races and backgrounds to celebrate July 4 by participating in the 15^th annual reading of Frederick Douglass’ historic 1852 speech “What Does the Fourth of July Mean to the Negro?” on Inkwell Beach in Oak Bluffs on Saturday, July 4 at 12:00noon. The reading is followed by a free potluck lunch.

“We’re calling for voices from preteens to seniors from Vineyard residents to visitors to read different sections of the by Douglass in1852 in the midst of slavery,” said Abigail McGrath, founder of Renaissance House Retreat for Writers and Artists. “Douglass always called for unity of spirit and purpose.  The message in this speech still resonates throughout these times and throughout the world where freedom is elusive and the human rights of people are ignored.  Frederick Douglass’ message is timeless and universal.”

The public is encouraged to be a part of the poignant reading on July 4^th. The project’s architects include Frederick Collins, a law professor at John Jay College, a fan of Mr. Douglass and a cultural advocate and resident of Oak Bluffs. The editor-producer is Makani Themba, executive director of the Praxis Project, a grass roots media policy non-profit in Washington, DC.  She has  taken the 10,000-plus word address and separated it into selected sections. Themba works with the readers onsite to create a memorable event for the participants and the audience.

“In 2014 and 2015, activists of all races proclaimed that Black Lives Matter from Ferguson to Baltimore to Cleveland to the tragedy in Charleston. It’s seems as if Black lives are as much at risk today as they were when Mr.Douglass gave this speech on July 5, 1852. If you believe that Black Lives Matter, then this is a speech you must participate in,” stressed McGrath. “Mr. Douglass gave this speech to a large audience in Rochester knowing that he could be arrested at any time. He always called for unity of spirit and purpose. There’s no better way to celebrate this special day.

Poets Afaa Michael Weaver and Rich Michelson on July 3

The July 4 public reading is part of Renaissance House’s “Independence Literary Weekend.” It kicks off on Friday, July 3 with poetry readings and discussions on “ethnic, macho poetry” with “It Doesn’t Matter If Your Black or White” featuring Afaa Michael Weaver and Rich Michelson, two of the most regaled poets in America, at 7:00pm at  the Katharine Cornell Theater, 54 Spring Street in Vineyard Haven at 7:00pm.  It is free and the public is invited.

“Both men write issue oriented poetry with deep thoughts delivered in language tailored to the needs of their audiences,” said Abigail McGrath, founder of Renaissance House. “Afaa is black and Rich is white. Both men write about race, multiculturalism and humanity in a realistic, down to earth style.” There will be a reception to celebrate Rich Michelson’s birthday at the Katharine Cornell Theatre.

About Renaissance House

Sponsored by the Helene Johnson and Dorothy West Foundation, Renaissance House was named in honor of these two cousins who were writers during the Harlem Renaissance. West, the author of the award-winning novel The Wedding, and her poet cousin Johnson (Mc Grath’s mother) were writers during the Harlem Renaissance.  It was founded by McGrath, an author, playwright and filmmaker who was the inspiration for the novel and the Oprah Winfrey produced TV miniseries The Wedding, starring Halle Berry. During the 1960s, McGrath was also an actress and starred in Andy Warhol movies. Under McGrath’s direction, Renaissance House provides writers and other artists with a subsidized retreat away from life's responsibilities and the space in which to create new works of art. It is one of the few retreats designed for issue-oriented writers, writers of color and writers of social justice.

All events are FREE!!  For any questions on the July 3 poetry program or the July 4 Frederick Douglass reading at Inkwell Beach, please call Renaissance House at 917-747-0367 or email Renaissancehse@aol.com. Please check out the website on www.renaissance-house-harlem. (http://www.renaissance-house-harlem.com/)