Today marks the 55th episode of Stories of Resistance, where we delve into the long history of July 4 resistance and protest in the United States. As we celebrate Independence Day, it is important to remember that the fight for freedom and justice has been ongoing since the birth of our nation.
July 4, 1776, is a date that holds great significance in American history. It marks the day when the Declaration of Independence was adopted, declaring the thirteen American colonies as a new nation, free from British rule. This day is celebrated with parades, fireworks, and barbeques, but it is also a day of reflection and remembrance.
While the Declaration of Independence proclaimed that “all men are created equal,” it failed to recognize the rights of women, Native Americans, and enslaved Africans. This hypocrisy sparked resistance and protest from marginalized communities, who fought for their own independence and equality.
One of the earliest forms of July 4 resistance was the annual “Liberty Pole” celebrations held by African Americans in the early 19th century. These celebrations were a way for the Black community to assert their freedom and demand equal rights, despite the ongoing oppression and discrimination they faced.
In the mid-19th century, the women’s suffrage movement also used July 4 as a platform to demand their right to vote. Women’s rights activists would often hold rallies and protests on this day, highlighting the irony of celebrating independence while denying half of the population their basic rights.
The fight for Native American rights also found a voice on July 4. In 1971, the American Indian Movement (AIM) organized the “Trail of Broken Treaties” protest, where hundreds of Native Americans marched to Washington D.C. to demand the government honor its treaties and recognize their sovereignty. This protest brought attention to the ongoing injustices faced by Native communities and sparked a new wave of activism.
The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s also utilized July 4 as a day of resistance and protest. In 1964, the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP) organized a “Freedom Day” protest on July 4, where African Americans attempted to register to vote at the courthouse in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. This act of civil disobedience challenged the discriminatory voting laws and brought attention to the ongoing struggle for equal rights.
In recent years, July 4 has been a day of protest against police brutality and systemic racism. The Black Lives Matter movement has organized marches, rallies, and demonstrations on this day, calling for an end to the unjust treatment of Black people in America.
The history of July 4 resistance and protest in the United States is a reminder that the fight for freedom and justice is ongoing. It is a call to action for all of us to continue the legacy of those who have fought before us and to stand up against oppression and injustice.
As we celebrate Independence Day, let us also remember the words of Frederick Douglass, who in 1852, in a speech titled “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” said, “This Fourth of July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn.” Let us honor the struggles and sacrifices of those who have fought for our rights and use this day to continue the fight for a more just and equal society.
In the words of civil rights activist Ella Baker, “We who believe in freedom cannot rest.” So let us use this day to reflect, educate ourselves, and take action towards a better future for all. Happy Independence Day, and may we continue to resist and protest until true freedom and justice are achieved for all.
