Celebrating Freedom: Bridging the Historical Narratives of June 19th and the 4th of July

Photo: Juneteenth Celebration in Minneapolis 2018, by Fibonacci Blue, from Wikimedia Commons

By Dr. C Sade Turnipseed,

Khafre, Inc., Executive Director

International Cotton Pickers UNITE Movement

Cottonpickers.us

Phone: 662.347.8198

The United States of America has a rich and complex history. We are defined by two significant dates, fifteen (15) days apart, that shaped our identity and fight for freedom. The moments that best symbolize that fight are June 19th, known as “Juneteenth,” and the 4th of July celebrated as “Independence Day.” While the 4th of July represents the nation’s aspirations for freedom, Juneteenth symbolizes the long journey toward realizing those aspirations for all Americans. These dates represent the ideals of liberty, equality, and the pursuit of happiness, while also providing us an opportunity to align and commemorate them together, as one long “Celebration of American Freedom.”

The Historical Context: On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, a seminal moment in American history. This document proclaimed the separation of the thirteen American colonies from British rule. This day is proclaimed as “Independence Day,” symbolizing the birth of a nation founded on the principles of liberty, equality, self-governance, and “freedom.” However, at that time, the promise of these ideals was not fully realized for all Americans, as nearly 700,000 enslaved human beings remained in bondage.

June 19th: Juneteenth and the legacy of slavery allows Americans to observe and reflect upon the hardships endured by those enslaved people, as well as recognize their “unpaid” sweat equity contributions to America’s progress and eventual “greatness.” This day is a reminder that the ideals of liberty and justice proclaimed on the 4th of July weren’t fully realized until nearly 90years later. The narrative of Juneteenth highlights the protracted struggle for freedom, and the resilience of the multitude of Americans who continued to fight for “freedom and equality for all,” specifically for the enslaved Africans in America.

While the 4th of July signifies the birth of a nation built upon freedom, it is essential to acknowledge that the full realization of these ideals is a complex and ongoing process. The story of Juneteenth allows us to recognize the long struggle for freedom faced by African Americans and the persistence required to overcome the systemic oppression of slavery and all of the obstacles to obtain the American creed of true freedom, justice, and equality for which we have all cried, suffered, and died.

Aligning these dates means celebrating the progress, while also recognizing the challenges that persist. To truly honor the spirit of both Juneteenth and the4th of July, it is crucial that we recognize the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. This requires acknowledging the historical injustices endured by African Americans and the ongoing work necessary to dismantle systemic racism. This alignment not only emphasizes the shared values of freedom, justice, and equality for all citizens, but it also encourages us to confront the injustices of the past, while building a more inclusive and equitable future.

As we recognize and celebrate these two significant dates in American history that are only fifteen (15) days apart, it is crucial to acknowledge the close interconnectedness of our national narrative. We are a diverse and vibrant nation tied together by our historic past. By embracing these historical narratives collectively, we can realize unity, empathy, and our shared responsibility toward a more equitable society. Therefore, let us celebrate these fifteen days together by embracing a continuous celebration of the richness and diversity of the American experience and be intentional about planting seeds for a more inclusive future … by intentionally never forgetting to include the Natives of this land we call America!

More about C. Sade Turnipseed, PhD, MBA, MS:

Dr. Cassie Sade Turnipseed is a Public Historian (historic preservationist), who is continually conducting research on cultural narratives, and the significant social influences that created the world’s largest economy that evoked musical traditions (e.g., the “blues,” spirituals, country, jazz, soul, and hip-hop) …“all things cotton.”

Turnipseed is currently a professor of Public History at Jackson State University and occasionally serves as an adjunct professor at Mississippi Valley State University. Her true passion is her work with the youth. She often states, “If it doesn’t involve young people, it doesn’t involve me.”

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