Racial relations in the United States have become quite complex in recent years. It’s not solely about genuine disagreements; rather, a significant number of Americans seem to believe that the nation is inherently unjust.
This notion, which was once considered fringe, now has institutional backing. Ideas rooted in critical race theory argue that the U.S. was established on principles of slavery and white superiority, and these views are permeating schools, businesses, and government entities.
“Please do not replace July 4th. Don’t divide what should unite us,” is a sentiment worth noting.
Consequently, there appears to be a subtle return to approved forms of separation. Universities are gradually introducing race-based graduation ceremonies. More people seem to identify themselves primarily through racial lines, rather than a sense of shared citizenship. This shift should serve as a cautionary reminder to those who marched for equality in the 1950s and 1960s.
When Americans lose sight of each other as fellow citizens, the very fabric of the Republic begins to unravel.
June and the New Separation
For instance, some are advocating for a separate “Independence Day” for Black Americans.
On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed Senate Bill 475, which established a new federal holiday: “National Independence Day in June.” This initiative commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Texas, announcing that the state’s slaves were freed per the Emancipation Proclamation.
While former Texas slaves celebrated, the day did not hold significant importance in the larger civil rights context.
June marked the recognition of freedom in one state, but it was not the abolition of slavery. The Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 applied selectively to rebellious states, missing those like Kentucky and Delaware, where slavery persisted until the 13th Amendment’s ratification in December 1865.
The Story of False Independence
Some activists posit that June should be seen as “Black Independence Day.” This perspective may not be entirely accurate.
Arguing that African Americans have no rightful claim to July 4th or to the ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence undermines the legacy of those principles, which resonate with all Americans, not merely the descendants of the original signers.
It’s true that numerous historical figures have sought to exclude Black Americans from the promise of those declarations. Supreme Court Justice Roger Taney made this clear in the Dred Scott decision, and figures like Alexander Stephens and John C. Calhoun disputed the idea of “all men being created equal.”
They were mistaken.
What Frederick Douglass Truly Believed
Some reference Frederick Douglass’ iconic 1852 speech, “What is July 4th?,” as a basis for rejecting it. However, this interpretation lacks context.
In the wake of the Fugitive Slave Act, Douglass criticized how the nation preached freedom while allowing enslavement. He asked, “What is your July 4th for American slaves?” suggesting it revealed the persistent injustice they endured.
Nonetheless, unlike Taney, Stephens, and Calhoun, Douglass did not reject the day; rather, he supported it.
Douglass maintained hope in the principles outlined in the Declaration and implored America to live up to them. He dismissed claims that the Constitution endorsed slavery, calling it “a glorious document of freedom.”
His belief was that the founding of America possessed the moral strength to ultimately defeat slavery.
Universal Promise of 1776
The American founders did not create slavery; they inherited it. At the time of the Revolution, slavery was a global institution, defended by many empires. Even among Africans, there were instances of individuals selling fellow Africans into bondage.
The Declaration of Independence represented a clear departure from that legacy, asserting that all people possess natural rights and cannot be controlled without their consent.
Thomas Jefferson famously noted that humanity was divided into those born with “boots and spurs” versus those born with “saddles on their backs.” The founders rejected that idea, establishing a Republic founded on equality under the law, rather than on the might of the powerful.
They understood that slavery clashed with those ideals. Many assumed that the institution would eventually fade away, being a remnant of outdated thinking. However, political compromises aimed at preserving the union led to a civil war, a conflict necessary to end slavery.
Why Establishment Matters
The Civil War did not represent a repudiation of the establishment; rather, it was a fulfillment of its foundational promises.
As Harry Jaffa asserted, it isn’t just notable that a slave-holding nation failed to abolish slavery upon gaining independence. What stands out is that this nation built itself on the promise of equality for all men, recognizing that abolishing slavery was both a moral and political necessity.
The Declaration of Independence ignited a movement that ultimately destroyed slavery.
So, let’s celebrate the month of June along with fellow Americans. Remember it with gratitude and historical reverence. Reflect on significant milestones in your holidays.
But please, avoid replacing July 4th. Don’t fragment the American experience. Let’s not divide what should serve as a unifying force.
As Douglass articulated, “I will not place violence on the grand events and inspiring associations that have beautifully converged at the birth of our independence.”
He observed, “No one approached the path to national justice, freedom, and greater ideals for humankind more faithfully than we did.”
Douglass understood that many have lost sight of this truth. The brilliance of America’s founding lies in the notion that it isn’t about who was excluded, but rather in the promise that one day, everyone will be embraced.
