Schedule for Douglass Day 2026

Morning

10:15 | Dr. Jeffrey McCune, Frederick Douglass Professor, University of Rochester

Dr. McCune will discuss and perform Frederick Douglass’s July 5, 1852 oration, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” Dr. McCune is Frederick Douglass Professor and Associate Professor of English and Black Studies at the University of Rochester, and the founding chair of the university’s Department of Black Studies.

11:00 | The Geneseo Chamber Singers

Under the direction of Distinguished Teaching Professor of Music Gerry Floriano, the Geneseo Chamber Singers will perform choral music celebrating Frederick Douglass’s life, vision, and legacy.

Afternoon

12:00 - 12:30 | Live Broadcast

Join the live broadcast from the Douglass Day YouTube channel.

We’ll join the organizers in singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, receive an overview of the program, and listen to speakers on Douglass.

12:30 - 1:00 | Transcription and more

Time for transcribing, readings, discussions, etc. During this time, the live stream will continue running but will go silent. The organizers’ Spotify playlist will back us up as we transcribe.

1:00 - 1:30 | Live Broadcast

We’ll sing “Happy birthday” (both versions) and hear a dramatic reading of “Why Hold a Colored Convention?” by Hassan El-Amin.

1:30 - 2:00 | Transcription

2:00 - 2:20 | Live Broadcast

2:20 - 2:45 | Transcription

2:45 - 3:00 | Closing Announcements

Highlights from social media, Bake Off prizes, and closing reflections.