Today, as we celebrate Independence Day in the United States, it is important to remember that the history of July 4th is not just about fireworks and barbecues. It is also a day that has been marked by resistance and protest throughout the country’s long history. In this episode of Stories of Resistance, we take a closer look at the various forms of resistance that have taken place on this day, and the impact they have had on shaping the nation.

The first July 4th celebration took place in 1777, just one year after the Declaration of Independence was signed. However, even in those early days, there were those who saw the hypocrisy in celebrating freedom while denying it to others. African American slaves, who made up a significant portion of the population at the time, were not granted the same rights and freedoms as their white counterparts. As a result, many slaves saw July 4th as a day of mourning rather than celebration.

One of the earliest forms of resistance on July 4th was the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence by abolitionists. In the 19th century, as the fight against slavery intensified, these readings became a way to remind people of the ideals of freedom and equality that the country was founded on. They also served as a call to action for the abolitionist movement.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, July 4th became a day for labor protests. Workers used the holiday to demand better working conditions and fair wages. In 1894, the Pullman Strike, one of the largest labor strikes in US history, began on July 4th. The strike, which involved over 250,000 workers, was a response to wage cuts and poor working conditions. It lasted for two months and resulted in the deaths of several workers. This event highlighted the power of workers to come together and demand change, even on a day that was meant to celebrate the country’s independence.

The 20th century also saw the rise of civil rights protests on July 4th. In 1964, the Civil Rights Act was signed into law, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. However, the fight for equal rights was far from over. In 1965, the Selma to Montgomery march for voting rights took place on July 4th. This march, led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement and helped to bring attention to the ongoing struggle for equality.

In more recent years, July 4th has been a day for protests against war and government policies. During the Vietnam War, anti-war demonstrations were held on July 4th, with protesters calling for an end to the conflict and the return of US troops. In 2018, thousands of people took to the streets on July 4th to protest the Trump administration’s immigration policies, particularly the separation of families at the US-Mexico border.

These are just a few examples of the many forms of resistance and protest that have taken place on July 4th throughout US history. Each one represents a group of people standing up for their rights and fighting for a better future. These acts of resistance have played a crucial role in shaping the country and pushing it towards progress and equality.

As we celebrate July 4th today, let us not forget the struggles and sacrifices of those who came before us. Let us remember that the fight for freedom and justice is ongoing, and that we must continue to resist and protest against injustice and oppression. Let us also remember that our country was founded on the principles of freedom and equality, and it is our responsibility to ensure that those ideals are upheld for all people.

In the words of Frederick Douglass, a former slave and prominent abolitionist, “What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July? I answer; a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim.” Let us honor the legacy of those who have fought for freedom and continue to work towards a more just and equal society for all. Happy Independence Day.