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Writer's picturePrelo White
Jul 3, 20231 min read

Black People & Fourth of July: It's...Complicated

Given this historical context, some Black people may feel conflicted about fully embracing the celebratory aspects of the Fourth of July. For them, the holiday serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between Black Americans and the nation's history, and the ongoing work needed to address systemic racism and achieve true equality.

Black People & Independence Day: It's...ComplicatedBlack People & Independence Day: It's...Complicated African American family wearing American Flag clothing celebrating Independence Day. The relationship between Black people and the Fourth of July in the United States is indeed complex, influenced by the historical and ongoing legacy of America's treatment of Black people. While the Fourth of July commemorates the country's independence and celebrates the ideals of liberty, equality, and freedom, it is important to acknowledge that these ideals were not fully realized for Black Americans at the time of the nation's founding, and many struggles for civil rights and equality persist today.

During the time of the American Revolution and the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, slavery was a pervasive institution in the United States, with millions of Black people held in bondage. The contradiction between the ideals of the Declaration and the reality of slavery has been a source of tension for Black Americans throughout history. It is a reminder that while the nation fought for its own freedom, it continued to deny that same freedom to a significant portion of its population. Moreover, even after the abolition of slavery, Black people faced systemic racism, discrimination, and violence that persisted and continues to impact their lives. From Jim Crow laws to segregation, to ongoing racial disparities in areas such as education, employment, housing, and criminal justice, the struggle for equality and justice has been a central aspect of the Black experience in America.

Struggle for Civil Rights: Beyond the legacy of slavery, our have also faced ongoing struggles for civil rights and equality. The fight against racial discrimination, segregation, and systemic injustice continues to shape our experiences and perspectives. The gap between the promise of equal rights and the persistent inequalities experienced by our often leads to a sense of disillusionment with traditional celebrations of Independence Day. Rather than fully embracing a holiday that symbolizes freedom and equality, many our find it necessary to reflect on the ongoing challenges and injustices faced by our community. Selective Historical Narratives: Another factor contributing to the diminished enthusiasm among our for Independence Day is the selective nature of historical narratives. The traditional education system has often neglected to highlight the contributions of our in shaping the nation's history and the struggles they endured to achieve freedom and equality. This lack of representation can further alienate our from the broader narrative of Independence Day and diminish our connection to the holiday.

 

Do you celebrate Independence Day?

  • 0%Yes! I'm a proud American

  • 0%Nah! I'm good on that

  • 0%I just like a good cookout


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