Fireworks

My multiracial family's relationship with the fourth of July has been one of acknowledgement without celebration for as long as I can remember. I don't recall Randy and I ever sitting down and discussing and deciding that we weren't going to celebrate it. Our individual understanding of what that day really means for us vs what it means for the country at large led to the obvious decision. We don't "celebrate" the 4th of July just as a non Jewish person wouldn't celebrate Hanukkah. It simply does not apply to us.

On the 4th of July, there was no reason for people of color to celebrate and it was definitely illegal for interracial relationships (although the rape of Black women by White men was certainly permitted). Songs of Freedom rang hollow in the ears of millions of slaves, thousands of whom fought in the war under the false promise of liberation after service that never came once their bodies were done being used. The 4th of July in America was a pivotal day for this country, and I do not begrudge anyone, regardless of race their right to celebrate it.

COVID is still alive and well here where we live, but that didn't stop our city from putting on a gathering at the park where food trucks and games, entertainment and treats would lure hundreds of people in close proximity unmasked as they ate and drank. Celebrate or not we would have skipped all of that this year. Being that we are about to leave the country, we figured that we would at least go where the kids could enjoy some fireworks from a distance, in the comfort of our own minivan.

Randy grilled bacon wrapped hotdogs and we packed some drinks and enjoyed the show. I will admit that I did get a little teary eyed as I thought that this may very well be our last 4th of July in the USA as residents. Apart from returning for family visits, we currently have no intention of moving back to the USA after we leave.

I remember growing up in Trinidad and celebrating our own Independence from British rule (August 30th 1962). I remember feeling the pride in our country and in our self sufficiency and autonomy. I also remember assimilating in the US and participating in the Independence Day celebrations here. Many a fun barbecue. What I don't remember was ever being taught the entire truth about the 4th of July. Even in history class in school, what was emphasized is that "we" were oppressed under British rule and fought hard and won our freedom, and that "we" were ingenious and constructed our constitution and formed a unique and special system of government that brought liberty and justice for all and "we" set the best example for the rest of the world....

WOW!!!!

"History lessons shouldn't be designed to create patriots. They should be designed to educate citizens- secure in the knowledge that well-educated citizens are most apt to learn to love their nation well". David French Time Magazine

There is so much I could say about the devastating effects the white washing of history has had not only for people of color but every single American. That was not the intent of this post. I really just wanted to show some pictures of my family watching their last fireworks before our move, but that is how it goes, isn't it? Nothing is ever truly simple or superficial. Everything is complicated in life. Something as simple as a celebration of Independence to one person is truly a reminder of further subjugation and the gaslighting surrounding that to someone else. There is no Black person in America that does not have a complicated relationship with this country. And that is appropriate and should be expected.

Anyway. Our last Independence Day Fireworks show in the USA before we leave to New Zealand. Another "last" in the books.