The 4th of July, also known as Independence Day, commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and America’s break from Great Britain. It is supposed to be a time of celebration with lots of joy and happiness. I stepped out of the box and asked various people what does it mean to you to be an American in the climate of the world today? Most of the people I talked to (white, black and more) overall feel a sense of pride and gratitude when compared to other parts of the world, but many still feel America isn’t living up to its true colors representing a melting pot of freedom for all.
America is known as a Super Power in the world. It represents the land where people’s hopes and dreams can all be achieved. Our country was founded on the principles of freedom, but when we look at the things that still plague us such as racial, social, economic and political issues, gun violence, black on black crime, as well as various forms of inequality, are we really standing up to the true nature of our fundamental core? History shows us that there really isn’t anything new under the sun. Many of the issues we face today are the same issues that have plagued our country since its formation. The issues now just have a different packaging. My father used to have a saying, what you think you are running to is really what you are running from. How do we walk in freedom while respecting the differences of others?
Francis Scott Key wrote the Star Spangled Banner which is America’s national anthem. In the song he wrote the famous words, “the land of the free and the home of the brave,” but when someone such as Jesse Williams, an African American man (actually biracial) who received the Humanitarian Award at the BET Awards was brave and stood up sharing some of the injustices that we still face today was shot down by critics for just speaking his truth. Mr. Williams is an actor starring on Grey’s Anatomy and now there are people protesting and trying to gather enough signatures to get him off the show. There are injustices happening to many people across the world, Jesse used his platform to share what his truth looks like being an African American just as others have used their platform and voice for their causes.
The voice of Black America is desired, but is it really wanted? When people do step up and tell it like it is do we want to hear it? I personally applaud Jesse for having the courage to speak his truth and to hold others accountable. As he stated, if you have no interest in equal rights for black people, then do not make suggestions to those who do. Sit down. This should be true across the lines for all people. If we can’t be part of the solution then don’t keep being part of the problem. Most people live and react out of fear. The problem with fear is we judge all people by the actions of one. FEAR is known as False Evidence Appearing Real. Don’t look at the mistakes of one individual and cast it against an entire race or group.
We must learn to strategically craft our conversations and understand the narrative that must be delivered. If we truly want and hope for America to be the land of the free and the home of the brave, then we must have the courage to stand up for those who can’t speak for themselves. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Let’s be brave and practice compassion and understanding towards all mankind and maybe one day we will truly live in the land of the free.
Healing Without Hate: It’s a choice. It’s a lifestyle. Pass it on!
