I see a lot of my people on social media bringing up the fact that slavery was still legal in America in 1776, therefore we shouldn't celebrate Independence Day. This is true, but history is not that black and white. Not all Black Americans were enslaved at that time. There were thriving "free negro" communities in the North and South; Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Charleston, SC in particular. Approximately 13% of the Black American Population was free in the late 1700s.
Yes, it was tragic and a crime against humanity that the other 87% was in bondage, and we should never forget them. But we should also never forget Sojourner Truth, Benjamin Banneker, Elizabeth Freeman, Frederick Douglass and many other "free negro" men and women who fought for freedom in secret on the Underground Railroad and in public with their writings, speeches and legal battles.
This is an imperfect union founded by deeply flawed and perhaps evil men, but let us not forget our victories. We are to be slaves to no man, so defeating the monarchy is something to celebrate, and there were Blacks & Natives fighting on both sides of that conflict trying to be free. Adults that are not completely ignorant about history know about the slavery, racism and the injustices of this country, but Independence Day does not have to be about celebrating the sins of the past. It can be about the struggle and sacrifice good people made for a better future.
We take all the good we can find in this world with us, and move forward. Because the fight is not over; we still have human trafficking and slavery going on now, we have the prison-industrial-slave system profiting off our despair, we have addiction and spiritual bondage at epidemic levels, we see our rights and independence being eroded away by new laws with each generation, we are being taxed and hoodwinked into deeper poverty by corrupt politicians and unelected international bureaucrats.
Celebrate Independence Day, instill the idea of freedom, and a democratic republic of the people and by the people into the youth. Don't throw it all away, because we, black folks, have been a major part in the creation of this country, whether you like it or not, and we are still here. So, enjoy your BBQ, fireworks, family and friends, because we are the legacy of those who fought and died for freedom, and eventually forced this country to keep their words written on that constitution, and we will have to continue to fight to keep that paper true. Peace! - @nathanjtaylor
Photography of the Freedom Fireworks Festival, Jersey City, NJ by @nathanjtaylor
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wow.. great article. fantastic photos .. thanks
Thank you! @dinsha
nice post
Thanks! @o12