In 1776, the colonies demanded and claimed independence from the tyranny of Great Britain. While the Americans were waxing philosophical about liberty and independence, they were actively enslaving Africans and others.
I shared with S.O. that the 4th of July really isn’t our holiday and he took issue with me. Being brainwashed a Marine has obviously shaped his views a bit differently than mine and I can appreciate that.
Don’t misunderstand, I love the idea of America and fully recognize that the life I live would probably not be possible in any other place. But, the truth of matter of is, I must remember and admit that those great self-evident truths EVIDENTLY didn’t include my people because they were in bondage.
With that, to me, the 4th of July to me is more about BBQ, family, and the Essence Music Festival than liberty.
Go forth and BBQ.
I hope that when I have kids of my own they really don’t get shook when I tell them there are things that they got to learn that cannot be found in books. Gil Scott-Heron
I must concur.