Celebrate the 4th... Why?

Many have said to me, You are black why do you celebrate the independence of this country??? We were not free and were held as slaves and treated inhumanely ....

To that I say this....Knowledge is power & the past shapes the future. That knowledge of the past should definitely be looked at and discussed and seen for what it is. But, when you continue to live in that past by living in it in the present that is a problem.

Yes, I am a Black Woman, but I am an also an American. My ancestors helped to build this country, as a matter of fact it was built on their backs, and today I am blessed to have the liberties I have because of them. This is not just a "white" man's country, it is a country that is home to many who are different by sight but the same by being human beings!

Yes, I celebrate the Fourth of July, why? Because I have the FREEDOM to do so. Because my ancestors fought for me not to live the life they lived but to have the FREEDOM to live a life better than they ever had. I celebrate because my mind is no longer contained in thoughts of what was, but is now freed to thoughts of what is and what shall be.

We can no longer live in the past. We must learn about it, share those stories, see the lessons, share the lessons and use that past to push us forward to a brighter tomorrow. Too many are continuing to live in the past that their ancestors fought for them never to have to live through. Many are living enslaved in their mind spreading hate against a country they live in, but would never put their life on the line as their ancestors have done. It's time to reclaim minds and bring them to the present day. Stop reliving what our ancestors died for us never to relive.

Please know that realistically I know we as a country still have problems. In no way am I shunning those issues and sweeping them under the rug never to be looked at. That would be insane! I am saying we live in a free country and I celebrate that. We live in a country where we can come and go as we please and I celebrate that. We live in a country where we are able to look at the past and learn from it instead of being killed for learning. I celebrate that.

Let me be clear I am not celebrating the pain & hurt of the past. I am not condoning the what my ancestors went through. I am not condoning or celebrating what my people continue to go through day to day. I am celebrating that I have the Freedom to Fight any and all injustices I see today. I can't change the injustice of yesterday I can only fight for what I see Today. I ask those that say we shouldn't celebrate because of what our people went through, TODAY would you lay your life on the line for injustices like your ancestors did for you in order for your children to have better? Would you exercise that freedom TODAY? Instead of just talking would you take action? Or would you just sit and discuss and say why one shouldn't celebrate the FREEDOM we have TODAY to act and make a difference in our country? I often wonder if those who spit the knowledge, if they are really ready to take the action to make a real difference like their ancestors.

Yes, I celebrate Independence and I challenge all to use that independence to make a difference instead of attempting to hold others back in a past that our ancestors died for so we don't have to live it. Free your minds to the thought that this is your country just as much as it is any one else's. As you look at that flag and fireworks today know the Red is for the blood shed by each of your ancestors, the white is for their eyes that saw a better future for you and I and the blue is for the battles fought and won as we enjoy the liberties they have set for us.

This land is your land, this land is our land..... Once we believe this and see the sacrifices still being made we will see the reason to celebrate.

Peace and Blessings
Racquel