Reflections on Independence Day

This weekend, people across the nation gather in parks, on rooftops, and around backyard grills to celebrate America’s founding. Simultaneously, many take to the streets, clustering in front of squares and monuments to protest for those whose stories are often overlooked today.

As we confront the growing disenfranchisement and the increasing worries of marginalized communities, it’s essential to reflect on the deep wealth disparities, hatred, and division faced by so many. This annual celebration of our revolutionary beginnings demands our attention in multiple ways.

The relationship that Black Americans have with this holiday can be quite perplexing. Back in 1852, nearly a century after the Declaration of Independence, Frederick Douglass raised a poignant question: “What is July 4th?” His observations laid bare the hypocrisy of a nation that celebrated freedom while so many remained enslaved.

He said, “I’m not included in a gorgeous anniversary! Your high independence only reveals the immeasurable distance between us. This July 4th is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I lament.” This sense of tension is still palpable today. We honor the ideals of freedom and equality, yet it’s clear that the promises of these values remain unfulfilled. Black Americans continue to invest in a nation that often fails to deliver on its commitments.

This ongoing dedication to a country that has frequently let us down defines our existence. It’s this commitment that has helped us strive to steer a nation towards the principle of Equality.

However, this journey is neither straightforward nor predictable. As we commemorate one revolution this year, we are also symbolizing another.

Unlike the revolution of 249 years ago, the anxiety felt today originates not from external threats but from internal struggles regarding American identity, stemming from the initial incomplete steps towards true democracy highlighted by the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Historically, revolutions in America have always aimed to reconcile the discrepancies between who we claim to be and who we actually are. The Founding Fathers spoke of equality while upholding slavery, and a century later, we witnessed the establishment of civil rights laws that still marginalized Black Americans.

Our current situation calls for yet another critical change.

This crisis reflects a deep-seated challenge: America’s difficulty in envisioning itself outside the confines of its past. What we’re observing—this swift erosion of rights and norms—isn’t simply a political shift. It’s a backlash against an inevitable transformation of our demographics and culture.

For many who have endured oppression since arriving on these shores, this backlash may feel sudden and disconcerting, but it’s hardly unexpected. We have been raising alarms for generations.

To navigate through this identity crisis, we need innovative and thoughtful changes. This isn’t about armed conflict; it’s about fundamentally rethinking our identity, our values, and how we share power. Every facet of society must play a part in this evolution.

Civil society organizations are lifelines for vulnerable groups and steadfast pillars against oppression. It’s imperative that we support and safeguard them from the increasing hostilities they face.

The judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, must recommit to its foundational role as protectors of the Constitution and move away from exercising unsubstantiated powers. A good start would be to rectify its mistaken rulings on presidential immunity.

The business sector must acknowledge that relentless attacks on the rule of law and the principles fostering diversity and equity ultimately endanger the global economy, thereby affecting all economies.

Congress should fully utilize its constitutional powers, enforcing measures that ensure accountability. It has done so in the past and should be willing to act decisively again.

Moreover, white Americans must engage in the trust-building work that Black Americans have undertaken for centuries.

This means recognizing the shifts in demographics and the enduring belief in a constitutional democracy that sets us apart. We need to cultivate a mindset of abundance rather than a limited perspective of scarcity.

Historically, oppressed groups have leveraged these values to affirm that being a minority doesn’t justify oppression, even when faced with painful realities.

The mission of organizations like ours isn’t to replicate past power structures with new groups. We aim to establish a social order where power is shared in a multi-ethnic democracy, and dignity is the standard.

No institution, sector, or demographic is exempt from this responsibility. Those of us who call America home must actively engage in evolving as a nation that includes everyone in the quest for freedom and justice.

While “revolution” can evoke fear for some, it’s a word that has characterized our journey since 1776. From events at Seneca to the Selma Bridge and moments in Greenwich Village, each was fraught with challenges, yet they ultimately led to a stronger, fairer society.

As we face the present, the potential for transformative change is again within reach. However, this depends on our collective willingness to move forward together, embracing the diverse democracy that we continue to strive towards.

The pressing question isn’t whether America will change; rather, it’s whether those who cherish this country’s promises can acknowledge its shortcomings to forge a more inclusive coalition. Or will the fears propagated by certain administrations drive us backward, further fracturing us?

This weekend, let’s choose to celebrate the revolutionary spirit that defines our strength by embarking on a new leg of nation-building, guiding us toward a future that remains elusive.