Should African American celebrate July 4th"

Full Answer Section

• Juneteenth (June 19th) is a more relevant celebration of freedom for African Americans.

Alternative Viewpoint:

• Celebrate the ongoing fight for freedom and equality for all Americans.
• Use the holiday to reflect on the progress made and the work that remains.
• Acknowledge the complexities of American history.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to celebrate July 4th is a personal one. Here are some resources that can help you form your own opinion:

• Book: "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" by Frederick Douglass (speech)
• Article: "I'm a Black American — Here's Why I Don't Celebrate on July 4th" by Clint Smith (https://penncapital-star.com/commentary/ten-reasons-why-black-people-shouldnt-celebrate-independence-day-michael-coard/)
• Website: National Museum of African American History and Culture (https://nmaahc.si.edu/)

Remember, a healthy approach might involve acknowledging the complexities of history while celebrating the ongoing pursuit of a more perfect union.

Sample Answer

There are many perspectives on whether African Americans should celebrate July 4th. Here's a breakdown of different viewpoints:

Traditional Viewpoint:

• Celebrates American independence and freedoms.
• Opportunity for patriotism and national pride.
• Time for family gatherings and barbecues.

Critical Viewpoint:

• The Declaration of Independence's ideals of liberty and justice for all did not apply to enslaved people.
• Independence Day can be a painful reminder of the long struggle for equality for African Americans.