The Opportunity of Two Independence Days
How do white people in America reconcile July 4th, and all that is wrapped up in it, with the necessary work of anti-racism?
The thoughtful and aspiring ally or advocate would be hard-pressed to miss the evident opportunity that exists every year, to consider the painful irony and unresolved burden that July 4th celebrations place on non-white and historically marginalized Americans. With the newly established, federally recognized Juneteenth Independence Day holiday as a backdrop, we are all more aware of the gulf that exists between the experience of white and historically marginalized groups. And, as with any identifiable gap, an opportunity is presented—one in which to reflect, listen, and meaningfully address the disparity.
Today, fierce transformation must be synonymous with a focus on anti-racism work. This applies to my personal work and the work before us as a society. I believe that reconciling ourselves with the truths of our past is critical. The recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday will never be more than symbolic ally theatre if we do not take further steps toward transformation as leaders and a society.
This transformation will require focused courage from us. For white people, it will mean hearing, believing, and trusting in some difficult truths about our race. To paraphrase Dr. Chenjerai Kumanyika, co-host of NPR’s Scene on Radio: Seeing White podcast series, Is a race (the white race), one built upon the exploitation of others, capable and worthy of redemption? White folks, this question is ours to answer.
To answer this question, I suggest five things white people should consider doing this 4th of July:
Reflect on what freedom and independence mean, to those of us who identify as white and for the People of the Global Majority, i.e., non-whites. It’s easy to celebrate a national holiday but far more difficult to sit with the discomfort that comes from honestly considering our history. The adoption of the Declaration of Independence is what we celebrate on July 4th, a document that declared that “all men are created equal.” Consider the evolution of freedom in America and what it might take for those other than white cisgender men to be truly valued as equals—we have yet to make good on that promise of “all people” being created equal.
Speak with a trusted friend or colleague who is Black or non-white and ask how they feel about the 4th of July as a national holiday. If is person is Black you might even talk about how they grew up marking the end of chattel slavery in America—whether by New Year’s Watch Nights or Juneteenth summer block parties.
Educate yourself around the movement for reparations for American Descendants of Slaves (ADOS) and the growing research around epigenetic pathways and how the impacts of family or racial trauma can be inherited. As a privileged white man, I can acknowledge the ways in which compounding privilege has benefited me over the generations, so I can certainly imagine that the inverse would be true. Dr. Joy DeGruy’s Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome is a great place to start.
Commit to anti-racism work and decide what that can mean for you as a leader and an American. Taking responsibility for being white is a good and necessary place to start. We can’t change the color of our skin, but we can certainly educate ourselves and contribute to making our communities and country more equitable places for all. The aforementioned Seeing White podcast is eye-opening and riveting, the kind of media that we should consume more than once.
Read the full text of Frederick Douglas’ “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” His answer: “A day that reveals to him (the slave), more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim.” Written with great affection, justified rage, and guarded hope, I believe that this passionate and incisive piece represents the best of America.
Dr. Kumanyika’s question cuts deep for the White man, and it would be easy to assume a defensive and deflective posture, utilizing “whataboutisms” like “well, every civilization/race has exploited someone”. For me, as I can’t help the color of my skin or the history of injustice perpetuated by those who look like me, there can be but one answer, and it’s one that I must honor daily with how I lead and live my life.