What is a Black man on the 4th of July

This Fourth July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn. To drag a man in fetters into the grand illuminated temple of liberty, and call upon him to join you in joyous anthems, were inhuman mockery and sacrilegious irony. Do you mean, citizens, to mock me, by asking me to speak to-day? If so, there is a parallel to your conduct. And let me warn you that it is dangerous to copy the example of a nation whose crimes, towering up to heaven, were thrown down by the breath of the Almighty, burying that nation in irrevocable ruin! I can to-day take up the plaintive lament of a peeled and woe-smitten people! -Frederick Douglass

It is now 2014 and African Americans have grown to love the 4th of July as if it is the nation's Independence Day, although this holiday and it's meaning only applied to White Americans. The nation was able to build the country off of slavery but when challenged with taxes from Britain considered themselves slaves. John Locke, an English philosopher known as the "Father of Liberalism" who also invested in the Royal African Company which monopolized the slave trade, was totally against slavery when it involved men and stated: " All men by nature are equal in that equal right that every man hath to his natural freedom, without being subjected to the will or authority of any other man; being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty or possessions." Unfortunately, these were thoughts he placed upon men and at this point in time slaves were considered chattle. On July 4th, 1776 the United States were freed from the powers of Great Britain but it took close to 100 more years for White America to realize we were actual people and free slaves for reasons that did not involve our well being.

Today the Black community has adopted the 4th of July and it serves as a day of cookouts, family and social gatherings. Fireworks blast all night for the joyous occasion but in many communities these fireworks are replaced with gun blasts that take many innocent lives. Considering the fact that not too long ago our ancestors suffered on this day, the least we can do is live in harmony in respects to our great grandmothers and grandfathers. Many go out and buy new outfits just to wear for one day and often don't realize how blessed we are to even be able to walk freely. It is one's choice to celebrate this day knowing its history; however, one has to be aware of the evils associated with this day and count their blessings. Adopting everything for a sense of empowerment does not always work just like the use of the word "nigga" in 2014. To some its just a continuation to the mockery of our people.

 Standing there identified with the American bondman, making his wrongs mine, I do not hesitate to declare, with all my soul, that the character and conduct of this nation never looked blacker to me than on this 4th of July! Whether we turn to the declarations of the past, or to the professions of the present, the conduct of the nation seems equally hideous and revolting. America.is false to the past, false to the present, and solemnly binds herself to be false to the future- Frederick Douglass

-Jeremiah the Messiah