07/04/2023
As you celebrate today with food, gatherings, and fireworks, we want you to take some time and look back on the history of the USAās state of āindependenceā for different communities, so here are some things to note:
1) The American Revolutionary War: The conflict between Great Britain and its American colonies began in 1775, fueled by growing tensions over issues of taxation, representation, and individual rights. The white colonists sought greater autonomy and self-governance, leading to armed conflict and a desire for complete independence.
2) The Declaration of Independence: On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress, comprised of representatives from the thirteen colonies, formally adopted the Declaration of Independence. The document, primarily drafted by Thomas Jefferson, outlined the colonies' grievances against British rule and proclaimed their intent to form a new nation based on principles of liberty, equality, and self-government.
3) Birth of the United States of America: The Declaration of Independence marked the birth of the United States of America as an independent nation. It asserted the fundamental rights of individuals and declared that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed. However, it wasnāt like this for members of BIPOC communities.
4) It wasnāt until about 2 years after Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation that African Americans embraced freedom by executive decree in what became known as Juneteenth or Freedom Day (June 19th, 1865).
5) Juneteenth, after being celebrated in Black culture for decades wasnāt recognized as a federal holiday until 2021, making it the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established in 1983.
We thank you for taking the time to read this. Enjoy your day š§”
