As a biracial woman who identifies as Black, I’ve always had odd feelings about the 4th of July always feeling that it did not really include me. Yes, I would go to friends’ cookouts and enjoy fireworks, and always with the less than pleasant feeling that what was celebrated was a day back in 1776 when the men who signed that declaration were slave holders. This year, on the heels of the decisions handed down by supreme court just days before the national holiday I felt angry. I thumbed through Douglass’ magnificent text and thought about all the people who came before me and their struggles for freedom, equality and equity and felt sadness. Not so much for me, as I’m retired, I have a comfortable life, but I think of those students i shepherded who still have their lives in front of them, of my 3 year old granddaughter, of my beautiful nephews who are young people in their 20’s, what is in store for them?
I am just now finding a quiet time to read and savor this post! We did not celebrate the Fourth on the Fourth because we were busy preparing for travel. Reading your post was my way of honoring our independence! Thank you, Juli!
Yes. I took my mom (she’s 84) to see fireworks since she loves them, but we no longer patronize the parade or the community celebrations. I don’t feel like celebrating patriotism when it’s mostly become cover for those who choose to threaten our democracy (and our very lives in many cases.)
As a biracial woman who identifies as Black, I’ve always had odd feelings about the 4th of July always feeling that it did not really include me. Yes, I would go to friends’ cookouts and enjoy fireworks, and always with the less than pleasant feeling that what was celebrated was a day back in 1776 when the men who signed that declaration were slave holders. This year, on the heels of the decisions handed down by supreme court just days before the national holiday I felt angry. I thumbed through Douglass’ magnificent text and thought about all the people who came before me and their struggles for freedom, equality and equity and felt sadness. Not so much for me, as I’m retired, I have a comfortable life, but I think of those students i shepherded who still have their lives in front of them, of my 3 year old granddaughter, of my beautiful nephews who are young people in their 20’s, what is in store for them?
Thank you, Julie, for your words.
Thank you for sharing this 🙏🏽
I could NOT love this more. Thank you, Julie ❤️.
Thank you
Truly Inspiring and so heartfelt!!
Touched my heart.
Susan Charles
I'm so glad Susan
I am just now finding a quiet time to read and savor this post! We did not celebrate the Fourth on the Fourth because we were busy preparing for travel. Reading your post was my way of honoring our independence! Thank you, Juli!
Thanks Karen!
Yes. I took my mom (she’s 84) to see fireworks since she loves them, but we no longer patronize the parade or the community celebrations. I don’t feel like celebrating patriotism when it’s mostly become cover for those who choose to threaten our democracy (and our very lives in many cases.)
Amen