Publisher’s Points to Ponder Freedom for Me...

As we were preparing for the Independence Day celebration, someone asked me to articulate the meaning of freedom for an African-American woman in the United States. While celebrating the independence of America, my countenance sank when pondering the exclusion of equality for Africans or “those from a distant land.” Even though we have progressed in our thinking about our “inalienable rights,” many Americans are still in denial about what freedom means for all people and how the lack of freedom violates our pursuit of the American dream. I am not angry, I am sad.

In its most primitive form, the word FREEDOM means without restraint. On the fourth of July, we Americans celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which declared, in 1776, that God created all men equal, assured our protection of that equality, and gave us the right to revolt if the government failed to protect our rights. Although slavery predates the Declaration of Independence, I remain saddened by the fact that its execution was not indicative of freedom for blacks. This, coupled with the deletion of the slavery clause, makes it difficult for me to think of Independence Day without reflecting on slavery and civil rights. But, again, I am not angry, I am sad.

Various commentaries concur that Congress removed the slavery clause from the final draft of the Declaration of Independence to prevent slaves from revolting. Some may call this censorship an attempt to control a narrative that started with slavery in 1865, and continued through the civil rights movement in the late 60s. In some cases and places, this narrative continues, causing people to believe that people of color are not equal, which means we are not free. Regardless, I still celebrate the fourth of July to commemorate the freedom of America, but not the invisible chains that restrain my race. Do not regard me as angry, recognize my sadness.

So, when you ask me about what FREEDOM means to me, I would say that FREEDOM is the ability to walk into a store without being followed by a clerk who is afraid I may steal something. FREEDOM is the ability to share my opinion without someone calling me an angry black woman. FREEDOM is sharing my culture while learning about other cultures with the fear of chastisement. Equally important, when I think about FREEDOM, I embrace John 8:32, where Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” FREEDOM is also my ability to serve God without restraint or judgment for having a relationship with God that may differ from yours. All of us should be on an everlasting quest for the truth, so we can indeed be free from our biases and prejudices. After all, we are Americans, and it is possible to remain one nation under God, as stated in our Pledge of Allegiance.

Do not be afraid to ask those tough questions, like the one that prompted me to write this article. It is the only way we can continue to move forward stronger, freely.