“What, to the American slave, is your Fourth of July? I answer: a day that reveals to him, more than all other days of the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is a constant victim. To him, your celebration is a sham…”
-- Frederick Douglass
“The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro"
Rochester, New York | July 5th, 1852
John,
Independence Day to Frederick Douglass -- and to Black people across the entire country -- is a day that reveals the gross injustices that Black people have been forced to grapple with since this country’s founding.
America has not lived up to its principles of freedom for everyone. It
never has. And every day, it’s been us fighting for our own freedom and liberation. Until it’s fully realized and achieved, we will continue doing all we can to be liberated.
Today, we’re uplifting a reading of Frederick Douglass’ “The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro,” performed by his descendants and organized by NPR.
You can watch the whole speech on our socials.
John, nobody is free until
everybody is free.
...and by any means necessary, we
will be liberated. We
will be free. Free to have cookouts, free to ride in our cars and on our bikes. Freedom to go to the pool. Freedom to go on runs. Freedom to have joy. Freedom to live. Freedom to
matter.
In love and solidarity,
Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation
