As we celebrate the founding of our great nation ---built on the principles of freedom, equality, and democracy--- let's remember that we are still fighting to live up to the promise of these great ideals today.
Today, we celebrate our nation's independence and freedom from British control, while it held hundreds of thousands of Black people in captivity.
“The Declaration of Independence is probably one of the most hypocritical documents,” said the late James Eaton,Ph.D., FAMU history professor and founder of the FAMU Black Archives. “At one point, they're declaring freedom and, at another point, they’re enslaving people. It's an interesting dichotomy."
Some Americans do feel absolutely free. However, that is not a feeling that African Americans or Native Americans necessarily feel. Too many of us are still fighting for those same freedoms that the 13 colonies fought for in 1776. We're still looking for the rights that have been denied to us throughout history. We're still fighting for housing. We're still fighting for health care, fair housing, and basic voting rights. When we see the American flag, we see it as a symbolic gesture of freedom. But, that freedom has yet to be seen by some of us.
Our forefathers decided to get independence and become a place for freedom, but today when we look at it in real-time and then in history, we see that our country and our practices have fallen short. But, the dream still lives.
So no doubt, it is understandable that in our culture, the fourth is just one of those holidays used more as a family get together. It’s an opportunity for us to come together rather than a celebration of freedom.
While our Constitution refers to 'a more perfect union,' we are constantly reminded after our interactions with law enforcement that we are still striving to achieve that perfection.
On a side note, after an incredibly difficult last year we hope that you are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and are able to celebrate with friends and family this holiday weekend.