Reclaiming July 4th with Unity and Empathy: A Call for Inclusion and Justice
As fireworks light up the sky and flags wave proudly, July 4th is often seen as a day of celebration in the United States- a symbol of freedom, independence, and national pride. But for many, especially within BIPOC communities and immigrant populations, the holiday can also bring up feelings of dissonance, grief, and reflection.
It is a bittersweet day, one that honors powerful ideals while reminding us how far we still are from fully realizing them.
A Moment for Reflection, Not Just Celebration
In recent years, our country has been grappling with systemic racism, social injustice, and widening political divisions. Many immigrant families continue to live in a state of uncertainty shaped by restrictive policies and harmful rhetoric.
July 4th can be more than a celebration. It can also be a time to reflect on who we are as a nation, and who we hope to become. True patriotism does not require us to overlook painful truths. Instead, it calls us to face them with courage and a desire to do better.
Pacific County: A Local Lens on National Struggles
Here in Pacific County, the meaning of July 4th is deeply complex. This region is home to a diverse population that includes immigrant families from around the world and Indigenous communities like the Chinook Indian Nation, who continue to seek federal recognition and sovereignty.
For Native communities, Independence Day can be a painful reminder of broken treaties and stolen land. For many immigrants, it is a day marked not by freedom, but by fear and uncertainty.
By acknowledging these truths, we open the door to healing and understanding. Pacific County has an opportunity to lead by example, by honoring the full history of our region and the people who have shaped it.
From Reflection to Action
If we want to create a society that truly reflects the ideals of freedom and equality, we must move from reflection to action. This July 4th, consider how you might use this moment to support justice, inclusion, and belonging in your community.
Here are a few ways to start:
Volunteer with BIPOC-led organizations working for change in areas like immigrant rights, racial justice, and Indigenous advocacy.
Engage in meaningful conversations with people from different backgrounds. Use this holiday as a chance to learn, listen, and connect.
Celebrate cultural diversity by recognizing and including the traditions of different communities in your Independence Day activities.
Building a Brighter Future Together
As we gather for food, music, and fireworks, let us also gather our commitment to building something better. A future where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. A future where freedom is more than a promise, it is a shared reality.
This Independence Day, may we celebrate not only where we have been, but also where we are going.
May our pride be honest.
May our patriotism be rooted in justice.
And may we move forward together, not despite our differences, but because of them.