In 1852, Frederick Douglass delivered a powerful speech titled “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” The speech has resurfaced on Black social media platforms and serves as a reminder of the complex history behind American independence. Douglass questioned what the enslaved individuals would have to say about concepts like liberty, justice, and equality if given the opportunity to speak. Their perspectives would undoubtedly differ from the typical orators who speak on behalf of American ideals. Allowing the voices of the powerless to be heard can lead to a revolution in perspective. This dynamic remains unchanged.
On Independence Day, we should consider the thoughts of those who have experienced tragedy and injustice in America. For example, what would the loved ones of the victims in the Buffalo mass shooting say about justice in this country? And if we asked Black women, who disproportionately face death and trauma during childbirth, to reflect on the right to life, what fears and concerns might they share about themselves and their unborn children? Likewise, what insights on liberty would we gain from individuals who face unfair sentencing or racial profiling?
While we are aware of the issues and injustices that plague our nation, there seems to be pressure to set aside these concerns during certain holidays, such as the Fourth of July. We are encouraged to display flags, sing patriotic songs, and indulge in humble gratitude while disregarding the deeper complexities within our society.
Reflecting on the demand for patriotism, Douglass astutely observed that Americans are quick to acknowledge facts that favor their own interests. Anything that contributes to the wealth or reputation of Americans is eagerly embraced. However, true patriotism extends beyond uncritical celebration. It requires a comprehensive understanding of America’s history and a commitment to demanding improvement and justice. Recounting the full story of America, including its flaws, should be an act of love and a catalyst for progress.
Douglass challenged the notion that certain truths should be ignored or overlooked. During a time when the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 forced escaped slaves to return to their owners, he denounced this act and its impact on the entire nation. He believed that this law transformed the country into a “hunting ground for men” and criticized the lawmakers who supported it.
However, Douglass’s message was not an attack on the vision of America that we celebrate on the Fourth of July. He acknowledged the greatness of the founding fathers and their dedication to the cause of their country. The problem arose from the exclusion of certain individuals from that vision.
Douglass had the courage to insist that America’s story was far from finished until it fulfilled all its promises. In his powerful speech, he blended critique with affection. Over a century later, Martin Luther King Jr. echoed Douglass’s sentiments in his “I Have a Dream” speech. King emphasized that the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence promised unalienable rights to all Americans, regardless of race. Unfortunately, America has failed to fulfill this promise, especially for its citizens of color.
Today, when individuals protest against systemic injustice or resist the erasure of racial oppression from school curriculums, they are often labeled as anti-American by those who prefer to forget or ignore these painful truths.
Douglass’s patriotism went beyond mere resistance. He saw signs of unity and hope during the early years of the Civil War. In 1862, he delivered another July Fourth speech, but this time, his language underwent a significant change. Previously an outsider, he started including African Americans in the grand narrative of American history. The “you” of the American Revolution became a “we” during the battle against the Confederacy. By acknowledging the suffering and sacrifices made by white Americans for Black freedom, Douglass saw progress towards the goal of equality.
He understood that genuine progress requires effort and sacrifice, a principle that remains true today. It is not enough to simply engage with Black literature or acknowledge racial injustices in the wake of violent events. We must actively work towards reforming policing, dismantling gerrymandered voting districts, and dispelling myths about differences between Blacks and whites.
In 1875, Douglass delivered his third speech on Independence Day, once again questioning the role of Black people in America’s celebration. By this point, their contributions to the nation could no longer be denied. Douglass proclaimed that “colored people have had something to do with almost everything of vital importance in the life and progress of this great country.”
We do not need to be proud of everything America has done to take pride in the progress we have made despite facing relentless opposition. The story of Black people in America is not just a tragedy but also a tale of triumph.
Douglass recognized that his version of the American story was often overlooked. He called for the rise of a Black press to ensure that this narrative was heard. America had to confront the truth, and only those who had endured its hypocrisies while maintaining hope possessed the necessary perspective to tell it.
Douglass redefined American patriotism by advocating for the inclusion of Black accomplishments in the national narrative. He reminded the nation of its unfulfilled obligations and urged its citizens to follow the example set by the founding fathers in the ongoing fight for justice. The national tendency to focus solely on the positive aspects of America hindered its potential for greatness. Sharing the truth, even when it is uncomfortable, is an act of love for one’s country. We would be better off as a nation if more of us followed in Douglass’s footsteps.
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