I’ve always been loathe to celebrate the 4th of July, being repulsed by both displays of nationalism and the white-washed, revisionist history inherent in this “holiday.” This year though, rather than espouse my own views, I’m sharing this deeply moving video from NPR, “‘What To The Slave Is The Fourth Of July?’: Descendants Read Frederick Douglass’ Speech.” May we strive to not repeat our past, to recognize the realities of our present, and to embody the ideals of liberty and justice for all.
