This is another fourth that I will not hang out any US flags or bunting to celebrate the USA’s declaration of freedom from the tyranny of England (or so it states in the myth of our country’s origin story).

Besides, this holiday comes too soon after Juneteenth when Black folk celebrated their freedom from enslavement, two years after the emancipation proclamation was signed by Lincoln.

It took another two years before the enslaved people in Texas received official word on June 19, 1865 that they were “free” from enslavement and illegal oppression. That news was a cause for celebration, and so it was celebrated mostly regionally, until 2021 when the federal government made the day a national holiday!

Late, but still significant, this recognition is enough for me to fully embrace and understand the importance of making that date, June 19, part of the country’s origin story, which is just as important as the tale of July 4th.

Here’s a little background: The rebels/patriots broke from under the King of England’s sovereignty, declared their independence after winning a war against the king, and during the Second Continental Congress, the US founding fathers claimed the 13 American colonies independent from Great Britain on July 4, 1776.

Ideas and the virtues of liberty, justice, equality and self-independence are incorporated throughout the declaration, and repeated every fourth of July.

It should be noted that the original colonies included several territories, later states, which were enriched by their use of enslaved people from Africa. Virginia, North and South Carolina, and Georgia eventually became the drivers of the Civil War that was fought to maintain their economic mainstay- slavery.

Frederick Douglass gave us so much to think about in his famous speech at an event to commemorate the Declaration of Independence, delivered in Rochester, NY on July 5, 1852.

After lauding the founders for their character and fortitude to secure independence from England, Douglass went on to state:

“I say it with a sad sense of the disparity between us. I am not included within the pale of glorious anniversary! Your high independence only reveals the immeasurable distance between us. The blessings in which you, this day, rejoice, are not enjoyed in common. The rich inheritance of justice, liberty, prosperity and independence, bequeathed by your fathers, is shared by you, not by me. The sunlight that brought light and healing to you, has brought stripes and death to me. This fourth of July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice; I must mourn.”

That was in 1852, nearly ten years before the Civil War began (1861), and 11 years before the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863.

Douglass’ words and his prescience was extraordinary.

One question remains: is Juneteenth when our oppression ended?

Answer: No!

Yes, there have been small, incremental chips, taken from the monuments of institutional racism and other systems of unjust treatment, such as constitutional amendments, affirmative action, gerrymandering for elected inclusions. This has helped many Blacks participate in the larger society, but still only in small numbers, too often at lower levels, and against great odds rigged to disfavor us.

The record is undeniable. Just look at the acceleration in the reversals being made to voting rights, threats to health benefits and other supplements to support our economic security. The escalating fear and insecurity spilling over from the deportation and intimidation of fellow brown and Black immigrants, and the rapid installment of an authoritarian government is working feverishly to negate the benefits of Black progress.

Our "work" is far from done. Guaranteeing Blacks’ equal and equitable access to the “inheritance” Douglass so eloquently referenced remains a steep, seemingly insurmountable path.

Recognition of Blacks’ contributions extol the ongoing merits of what Blacks have contributed to American and world progress, ongoing since before the nation’s founding. But these are not widely published as part of our history.

Unfortunately, these laudable achievements and contributions are being erased since the government-authorized retractions and elimination of Black history is underway, and the overt punishment for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, is being implemented.

But is that enough to keep us oppressed and denied?

We must keep our history alive. Repeat the stories, hold teaching sessions wherever you can, fly our flags illustrating our resistance higher than any other flag, declare and promote the truth in every corner, demonstrate your courage and strength to succeeding generations.

So, on this holiday, go to the cookout, fellowship with family and friends, but don’t forget the words of Fredrick Douglass: “This fourth of July is yours, not mine.”

Reminder: The number of reparations owed to the former enslaved is worth $Trillions!