Frederick Douglas was a outstanding determine throughout the Abolition Motion and made strides in getting himself and others to freedom. He gave a speech titled, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” in Rochester, New York on July 5, 1852, that reminded Black individuals to not be fooled by America’s independence. Within the speech, Douglas by no means referred to American independence as mine or ours, he repeatedly used the phrase yours. He said, “The liberty gained is yours; and also you, subsequently, might correctly have a good time this anniversary. The 4th of July is the primary nice reality in your nation’s historical past —the very ring—bolt within the chain of your but undeveloped future.” Douglas knew that it doesn’t matter what, this celebration would imply nothing to him due to the shackles that had been nonetheless current round many slaves. Douglas knew the “disparity between” the free and the enslaved as he talked about, “I’m not included inside this wonderful event.”
There was no life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for Black people-only bondage. It was famous that the 4th of July ought to actually be a day of mourning as a result of America didn’t hold her promise that “all males are created equal…with sure unalienable rights.” This didn’t embody Black individuals then, and in some instances, nonetheless doesn’t embody Black individuals at present as we’re nonetheless combating among the similar fights our ancestors fought.
July 4th is acknowledged as America’s independence from Nice Britain. The Continental Congress voted in favor of this independence on July 2nd, 1776, and two days later the Declaration of Independence was adopted from the 13 colonies, which was drafted by Thomas Jefferson. Nevertheless, whereas America was free, Blacks had been nonetheless enslaved. July 4th turned a federal vacation in 1941, and is widely known by many individuals yearly by parades, fireworks, household gatherings, and many others.
It wasn’t till January 1, 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared “that every one individuals held as slaves are and henceforward shall be free.” This was 87 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. For 87 years, Black individuals needed to sit again, and watch America have a good time freedom however continued to enslave tens of millions of individuals. Though the Emancipation Proclamation took impact in 1863, there have been many states, together with Texas, that also enslaved Blacks.
Tanesha Grant mentioned, “The 4th of July was by no means about Black individuals,” and the way we as a tradition ought to proceed to have a good time Juneteenth as a substitute. She continued and mentioned, “Juneteenth is only for us. As Black individuals, we’re instructed we don’t deserve our personal holidays rooted in our personal historical past. All the pieces is whitewashed. Juneteenth is for us… Juneteenth symbolizes the hope that my kids and grandchildren might be free. It’s Black Pleasure and Black tenacity to outlive.” What she described is one thing that we as a tradition have by no means skilled with the 4th of July.
In closing, Douglas additionally said, “We have now to do with the previous solely as we will make it helpful to the current and to the long run.” Study from the previous, always remember it, and make it rely for now. So, how will you have a good time the 4th of July?
