This past weekend was a subdued one. My mom heart absolutely breaks for the families who lost loved ones, especially children, in the devastatingly tragic Texas floods.
It was also somber because of the direction our country seems to be headed in. We didn’t swap out our Kansas City Royals flag for the American flag nor did I even wear red, white, and blue on the 4th. I’m not the only one taking a step back to reevaluate what we’re celebrating and what we’ve been taught about our country’s origins. Here are a few perspectives:
Scholar Ibram X. Kendi shares the unabridged version of Frederick Douglass’s speech “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July,” written in 1852. And, oh, how his words haunt us still today. Douglass decried, “Whether we turn to the declarations of the past, or to the professions of the present, the conduct of the nation seems equally hideous and revolting. America is false to the past, false to the present, and solemnly binds herself to be false to the future.”
Daniele O. gives a personal reflection of why she sat in tension, not celebration, on the 4th of July. She put into beautiful words what I was feeling that day and have felt with every ICE raid carried out and every racially-motivated bill passed. She poignantly urges, “You pause. You pay attention. You remember that real patriotism isn’t blind loyalty — it’s accountability.”
Stephany Day recounts the shock she felt when her appearance at a place she normally feels welcome became a source of “otherness.” Like, literally, how disgusting and awful can people be? She stands strong, though, declaring “Because America is all of us: White, Black, Hispanic, Asian…every one of us believing in freedom. And that’s worth defending, even from ignorant comments.”
Carlos Gil talks about his lawn guy, a small business owner who worked hard, showed up every day regardless of rain or heat, showed incredible loyalty, and hustled to earn his keep. Who was quietly, senselessly deported in an ICE raid. Francisco lived the American Dream and was punished for it.
Then, there is Mexico, our neighbor. They sent firefighters and rescue personnel to help the Kerrville residents in their search and rescue efforts. Despite the nasty, racist rhetoric, the deportations, the hatred, and the economic policies from the U.S. targeting their country and people, Mexico still understood the assignment. We’re all humans living in this world, trying our best to get by. Compassion wins.
Oh! Had I the ability, and could I reach the nation’s ear, I would, today, pour out a fiery stream of biting ridicule, blasting reproach, withering sarcasm, and stern rebuke. For it is not light that is needed, but fire.”
Resources
May was Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, and the Race Employee Resource Group (ERG) at my company made a few book recommendations by Asian authors.
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner — in this memoir, Michelle dives into her relationship with her mother, discovering how her mom’s family and heritage influenced much of her behavior. I loved listening to this book as Michelle is the narrator and her pronunciation of all the Koren foods is delightfully delicious!
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang — knowing the author wrote this book as a satirical critique on the publishing industry makes me less inclined to want to go through the publishing process. The book does make you wonder if your race, ethnicity, and background really do determine what you can and should write about…what’s authentic? sincere?
Ways to Engage
If you’re in Kansas City, join me and my husband at the 1st Annual SHINE Legacy Awards! Help us honor Krystal Anderson’s legacy through the SHINE with Joy Foundation and celebrate the award recipients who are making a difference in maternal health, STEM for women and girls, wellness, and joyful service.
Aug 8th: SHINE Legacy Awards — individual tickets now on sale!
On your time: Watch sessions from The Future of Fatherhood Summit hosted by Moms F1rst
On your time: Engage in any number of ways with Hola Magnolia Identityworks. I’ve attended two of Erin’s workshops, and they are absolutely eye-opening, thought-provoking, and emotional. I’m participating now in a Leader’s Circle and cannot stress enough the absolutely amazing work Erin is doing to promote belonging in this chaotic world!
Pass this newsletter along to 3 people, letting them know why you’re continuing the work.
Quote of the Month
More from “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July”
The feeling of the nation must be quickened; the conscience of the nation must be roused; the propriety of the nation must be startled; the hypocrisy of the nation must be exposed; and its crimes against God and man must be proclaimed and denounced.
