As we transition from the celebration of Juneteenth to July 4th, our nation’s Independence Day, it's crucial to consider what these commemorations mean for ALL Americans. July 4th, 1776, marks a celebration of freedom from colonial rule, yet this freedom was incomplete. It excluded many, particularly those who were enslaved. As the narrative of freedom and independence evolves, it becomes more inclusive with every generation as we strive to form a more perfect union.
Celebrating Juneteenth with as much intentionality and enthusiasm as July 4th enriches the story of America. It reminds us that freedom is a continuous fight and that liberty and justice for all require acknowledgment of our past, along with action in our present and future. Frederick Douglass, in his famous speech "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" highlighted the ironies in the celebration of freedom by those who were themselves enslaved. His words continue to challenge us to think about whose freedoms we celebrate and whose freedoms we're still fighting for.