Grants offer communities a connection to the 250th.
Applications are now open to host a Reading Frederick Douglass Together (RFDT) event in 2026. The RFDT program, now in its 17th year, provides communities and organizations with funding to host readings of Douglass’ famous 1852 speech, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”
In 2025, more than 70 communities across the commonwealth gathered to read the words of Douglass. In 2026, as the nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, communities have the opportunity once again to host a reading that prompts residents to think about social justice, freedom, and equality.
Applicants can request $1,000 to host a reading, or $1,800 to host a reading and a structured discussion about Douglass. The first application deadline of the year is January 16, with additional deadlines through April.
RFDT encourages applicants to design a free public program that appeals to their local community. In the past, grantees have featured spoken word artists, Frederick Douglass impersonators, discussion groups, musical performances, and other activities intended to help communities reflect deeply on the continuing relevance of Douglass’ words.
“Reading Frederick Douglass Together events are where communities can reconnect with and critique the commitment America made to democracy 250 years ago,” said Latoya Bosworth, Ph.D., program officer at Mass Humanities. “These gatherings have become birthplaces for grassroots efforts for education, liberation and equity.”
Communities interested in hosting a reading can visit the Reading Frederick Douglass Together grant page on the Mass Humanities website for guidelines and an application, in both English and Spanish. A host of additional resources are available as well.
Reading Frederick Douglass Together is made possible with the support of Mass Cultural Council.
The most celebrated orator of his day, Douglass’ denunciations of slavery and forceful examination of the Constitution challenge us to think about the stories we tell and do not tell, the ideas that they teach or do not teach, and the gaps between our actions and aspirations. To quote Douglass: “We have to do with the past only as we can make it useful to the future.”