The Story of a Statue on the 4th of July

As we reflect on all that the United States of America has accomplished, independence is the most coveted achievement. In the late 1800’s, in admiration for this achievement, the US received a gift – the Statue of Liberty – that signified that the US, like its early constitution, is a place of independence and refuge for the tired, the poor, the huddled masses yearning to be free. 

The Statue of Liberty not only represents independence and democracy, but symbolizes the end of all types of servitude and oppression. A broken shackle and chain lie at the Statue's right foot. The chain disappears beneath the draperies, only to reappear in front of her left foot, its end link broken. However, although the broken shackle is a powerful image, the meaning behind it was not a reality for all Americans in 1886 when it was delivered. We are still waiting today. 

This year, from Juneteenth to the 4th of July, we have witnessed the Supreme Court attempt to reconnect the shackles of bondage. The usage of the First Amendment as a tool of discrimination will open the door to oppression for not just the LGBTQIA+ community, but for us all. The freedom from crushing school loan debt became a fleeting dream, handicapping millions of younger Americans from ever achieving economic stability, let alone success. And, the closing of the door on affirmative action in higher education felt like a return to oppression, rather than forward progress towards an equitable democracy.  

To Lady Liberty, who has graced our shores for 137 years, does her heart swell with pride, or shrink with disappointment on this 4th of July? Are our actions and ideas coalescing to further our enlightenment as a democratic government, or is this just a romantic notion? As Frederick Douglas asked in his 4th of July speech in 1852, “are the great principles of political freedom and of natural justice, embodied in that Declaration of Independence, extended to us?” These are not just questions of Black Americans, but of all Americans because our freedoms are inextricably linked in our quest for independence from oppression and the chains of bondage. 

This 4th of July, let us start living up to our collective declaration of independence and freedom. Later this month, the National NAACP is convening in Boston. This is an opportunity for all of us to come together as change-makers, thought-leaders and community leaders to intentionally increase freedom and democracy for all, especially against his current backdrop of shrinking liberties and growing ignorance.

We invite you to get involved and attend the NAACP’s national convention in Boston, July 26 - August 1. Together, we can build the spaces that truly embodies all that the 4th of July represents – a place where the poor, the tired, the huddled masses yearning to be free, can truly find refuge and a place to call home. 

I hope this 4th of July will inspire you to join the quest increasing independence, freedom and justice for all.

In Kindred Spirit,

Bithiah Carter