Yesterday was the Fourth of July, I know everyone had their
grills going, wore their red, white, and blue proudly. Happy to be an American,
right? For African Americans this day should have been a reflection, not a celebration.
When the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776 we (African
Americans) weren’t amongst those that were free. Now you may ask why I am still
hung up on this. The answer is simple, this holiday wasn’t designed for us. Yes
it’s cool to partake in the festivities and enjoy the fireworks, but we need to
know our history while doing so. The day after the Fourth of July in 1852, Fredrick
Douglas gave a speech in which he said amongst other things: "This
Fourth of July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn.... Do you
mean, citizens, to mock me, by asking me to speak to-day?" This statement
alone speaks volumes and should make you seriously think. Why don’t we as
African Americans celebrate milestones such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or
the Emancipation Proclamation (Juneteenth) in the same manner that we celebrate
the fourth of July?! Y’all don’t hear me though…
Frederick Douglas’: "The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro"
Britt Daise
Urban Echelon Magazine & Blogspot
PHOTO CRED: Google Images
No comments:
Post a Comment