The Fourth of July is part of the fabric of the American identity. Fireworks, food and fun provide a communal spirit of patriotism that fills the air.
But beneath the celebratory facade lies a complex reality. The ideals enshrined in the Declaration of Independence — “that all men are created equal” — haven’t been and aren’t a reality for all Americans. However this Fourth of July, we can celebrate our progress while acknowledging the work ahead for those still left out.
As a nation, we have a history of unfinished business. Black Americans, Native Americans and the LGBTQ+ communities are just a few examples and June marks important aspects of each one’s fight that remind us that our country is still a work in progress.
Black Americans hold a unique perspective on Independence Day. While the colonies declared freedom, they did so while clinging to the brutal and immoral institution of slavery. The ensuing struggle for equality has been long and arduous, marked by the Civil Rights Movement and ongoing fights for social justice, like Black Lives Matter and Juneteenth, which honors June 19 as the day the last slaves got word they were free in 1865.
However, true freedom and equality is yet to be achieved.
A recent survey conducted by our health care community showed that seven out of 10 people of color in our community do not feel safe here.The Democratic Party’s Black History Month discussion confirmed this as well as the fact that often our non-white neighbors still suffer from discrimination no matter how long they have lived here.
Celebrating the Fourth of July necessitates acknowledging this history and actively dismantling the legacy of racism that continues to impact all Oregonians of color here in Douglas County.
Similarly, the celebration of independence often overlooks the experiences of Native Americans. The land upon which the United States was built belonged to them for centuries. European colonists dispossessed them, subjecting them to violence and forced assimilation.
June 2 marked the 100 year anniversary of the official end of the ‘Indian Wars’ and the passage of the Native American Citizenship Act, but it did not address the problems of those dispossessed of their rights and their land, like our local Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Indians.
A true Fourth of July celebration recognizes this history and works toward a future where Native American tribes have sovereignty, equal opportunity and their rich cultures are respected
We can start in our own community this Fourth of July by taking this opportunity to “respectfully acknowledge the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians (“Tribe” or “Cow Creek”), who have stewarded these lands since time immemorial.”
The LGBTQ+ community has also faced a long road towards true equality, which has yet to be totally achieved. Unlike race discrimination, this group has suffered in silence, while hiding in the shadows for most of this country’s existence. A small and courageous act in 1967 at a bar in New York City sparked a movement that we see represented by Pride Month today.
Our new local Democratic Party Stonewall Caucus honors that legacy. Stonewall Inn marked the place where a small revolution started as patrons refused to be harassed, threatened and intimidated by police because of who they are. Pride Month not only celebrates but promotes the activism that has worked toward fulfilling the promise of equality.
Recent events in our community demonstrate that the struggle for full acceptance is not over. A truly inclusive Fourth of July Celebration acknowledges the contributions of LGBTQ+ Americans and embraces the rich diversity of our nation.
All of these represent the unfulfilled promise of The Declaration of Independence. They also represent a testament to the power of people and our country to adapt our thinking as we move toward a more perfect union.
The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate the ideals of freedom and equality. But true celebration requires acknowledging the ongoing struggle for these ideals to be a reality for all Americans. By educating ourselves, supporting diverse communities, and engaging in open dialogue, we can work toward a Fourth of July where the words “all men are created equal” resonate for everyone.
This won’t be easy, but it is necessary. We invite you to join us in conversation. As we celebrate our independence, let’s commit to building a more perfect union. A union where the promise of liberty and justice for all is finally fulfilled. Let the fireworks not just illuminate the night sky, but also illuminate the path towards a more diverse, equitable and inclusive future. We owe it to ourselves, our country and our posterity.
This article was published in the News-Review on Jul 14 2024.
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