It is the fourth of July, the day the US declared independence from the British crown in 1776. The Declaration of Independence was adopted after which 13 US states were no longer subjects of the British monarchy. It’s a federal holiday in the country and Americans recall the struggle and reflect upon the founding principles of their country.

Also read: Movies to watch on the Fourth of July

However, decades after the day, an abolitionist and former slave carved history through his speech in which he questioned the hypocrisy in the Declaration of Independence, as the country was free but slavery flourished.

That man was Frederick Douglass and he gave a speech, ‘What to the slave is the Fourth of July?’ on July 5, 1852. Slavery was finally abolished more than a decade later.

Although slavery has been banned, systemic racism and discrimination persist in the state that fuelled the Black Lives Matter protests last year. To make their point, several actors throughout the years have recited Douglass’ iconic speech.

Here’s a look at some of those actors:

Morgan Freeman

The Academy Award-winning actor was one of the stars who recited Douglass’ “What to the slave is the Fourth of July?” speech.

An ace actor, Freeman is also known for his environment and political activism.

Also read: Fourth of July: A look at the ‘Founding Fathers’ of America

James Earl Jones

Star Wars actor James Earl Jones recited an expert from Douglass’ speech in 2004. He was speaking for Howard Zinn and Anthony Arnove’s project Voices of a People’s History of the United States.

More than a decade later, Jones’ rendition became more popular after NBA star LeBron James shared a clip of the address on social media.

Ossie Davis

A prominent activist in the civil rights movement, actor Ossie Davis was another star who recited the iconic speech. He delivered it in 1975. Davis’ other popular speeches include a eulogy at the funeral of politician-activist Malcolm X and a tribute to civil rights leader Martin Luther King the day after his assassination.

Also read: Here is why your dog hates the 4th of July firecrackers

Danny Glover

Just like James Earl Jones, actor-activist Danny Glover also narrated excerpts from Douglass’ speech for Zinn and Arnove’s project. A noted actor, Glover is also known for civil rights and political activism.