What, to Black Americans, is the 4th of July?

I read an insightful article in the Washington Post that raises the question of whether or not black Americans should celebrate the 4th of July due to the fact that our ancestors were still slaves when the Declaration of Independence was drafted. The author shares my exact sentiments as to why we should all celebrate the 4th of July with pride and dignity.

(Source: Washington Times)

On July 5, 1852, Frederick Douglass gave a speech at an event commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence, held at Rochester's Corinthian Hall. It was an indictment of the fact Independence was not yet a reality for most Black Americans. Douglass boldly declared: "This Fourth of July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn." And he asked them, "Do you mean, citizens, to mock me, by asking me to speak to-day?" 

 Frederick Douglass would, undoubtedly, deliver a different speech today. I believe he would be proud of how far America has come in ensuring all of its citizens are equally protected under the law. Moreover, he would certainly find more than a few reasons to celebrate the Fourth of July. 

No longer is the celebration of Independence a fraud in America, for every American now, under the U.S Constitution, equally enjoys the possibilities of individual freedom that the constitution guarantees. 

That said, I also believe that Frederick Douglass would charge Blacks in America with remembering the Blacks who contributed to the Independence of America, even as they often did not live to see the reality of Freedom. They did it because they envisioned the America we now live in. It is these Freedom Fighters I hope we all pay tribute today and, in this, find reason to celebrate the 4th of July with pride and dignity.

What, to Black Americans, is the 4th of July?

Everything.