Let Us Rise Together: Reflections on Independence Day 2025

This month, on July 4th, we celebrate the day in 1776 that America declared its independence from Great Britain. That day in Philadelphia, our founding fathers launched the boldest experiment in freedom and self-government the world had ever seen.

It took another 89 years for our African American brothers and sisters to win the independence our founding fathers proclaimed.But last month we celebrated the 160th anniversary of Juneteenth, in recognition of that milestone in our nation’s march toward freedom for all.

Along the waywe’velearned that true independence takes more than a declaration. It is anongoing journey in which every one of us has a stake.

This moment in our history also reminds us that freedom isn’t free.These days, it often feels like our country is more divided than ever. On the radio, on television and online it seems that any issue can be oversimplified and argued about. And sadly, our disagreements are becoming increasingly disagreeable.

Yet, what do we gain if in proving our point we undermine the dignity of those we disagree with?

At times like these, even events meant tobring us together, like the 4th of July, can leave us uneasy.We wonder what happened to our feeling of being “one nation under God.” 

After all, we are all proud Americans. We still enjoy time-honored traditionslike fireworks bursting in air, fresh-grilled hot dogs and burgers that taste as delicious as ever. But without our sense of unity as fellow Americans, the holiday can feel empty. We know that something special is missing.

A few years ago, I was deeply moved when I reada speech Frederick Douglass delivered on July 5, 1852, entitled The Meaning of July 4th for the Negro. In it, Douglass underscoredhis message by speaking to his audience as if he himself were not an American. He addressed his listeners as if they were free, but he was not. He spoke of your freedom from Britain,your land,your sovereignty,yourforefathers, etc.

Reading his words in this modern age was a profound experience. I can only imagine the impact they had on his audience members who were all acutely aware that, as they listened, slavery was still alive and well! He was reminding them in no uncertain terms that the festival of freedom and independence they were celebrating was not for all, it was only for some. 

Today, even as we work our way through this time of division, it is right that we celebrate the many freedoms we enjoy. It is also right to recognize that our journey towards liberty and justice for all continues.  

Therefore, amidst the fireworks, BBQs, parades and family gatherings, let us all  take a moment to reflect on the strides our country has made. Then let us commit to moving forward. Let us rise together as a community and join our brothers and sisters who face discrimination and injustice.  

Together, hands locked and hearts united, we — you and I — will help form the more perfect union described in the Declaration of Independence. United we shall overcome to make our country truly the land of the free. Not for some, but for all! 

Chad McEachern is President & CEO of Edmundite Missions in Selma.