Independence Day is usually a day of patriotism. But the truth of the matter is that many people of color really can't get into that patriotic mood. When the Declaration of Independence stated that 'all men are created equal' they weren't talking about us. And in far too many ways, too many Americans of all racial and ethnic backgrounds still do not enjoy the concept of equality.
But in the United States of America, with all of its problems we can do what much of the world cannot legally do. We can openly talk about whatever we want and we can openly criticize the government, petition the legislature, and peacefully protest. This is radical independence that we can practice every day of the year.
The next time you get together with friends and family this summer, practice some radical independence by having a discussion of at least one of the issues we face as a family, community, church, or nation. Be sure to include the young people in the conversation and listen to their concerns. You don't have to spend the entire evening in in depth conversation, but take some time to discuss something important. The problems of our communities are too great to ignore. When we just sit down and talk, who knows we may even come up with some solutions.