By Mona Austin
Next year the United States will mark its 250th birthday—.the semiquincentennial recognizing the signing of the Declaration of Independence from England. As we approach this celebration, let us be clear: Black folks must not opt out of the festivities because of the racial issues that continue to plague this country. You don't need an invitation to your own party, but since this is a family affair, mark your calendar for July 4, 2026.
Understandably, many Black Americans may not feel a deep sense of patriotism. Some may not be be enthused to wave the flag that is striped with bloodshed that has been denied and sprinkled with stars that don't glisten for them. Yet in a historical context, our ancestors in the far and not distant past helped make America the land of the free and home of the brave. Blacks have contributed greatly to the United States reputation as the most prosperous, culturally rich country on earth. This upcoming celebration is not about you as an indivifual but about us collectively. We have innunerable reasons to join the celebration. America would not have an identity without Black people implanting their Black cultural brilliance and indefatiguable spirit into its soil.
I acknowledge that many of us have mental reservations about giving energy to anything that has harmed, mistreated or devalued our humanity. That is why I believe healing mental trauma that comes from social oppression is ongoing and must not be ignored. Eqaully, I believe in actively honoring and reflectling on our progress. It was far too expensive not to.
This is our country. We helped build it, mature it, maintain it and sustain it—through forced labor, innovation, and sacrificial service. From the Revolutionary War that began in 1775 to today, we have served and fought in the armed forces worldwide in large numbers, even when our basic rights were denied at home.
According to the National Archives, over 5,000 Black soldiers fought in the American Revolution, and over 180,000 Black men served in the Union Army during the Civil War. The pattern of loyal service continued through every U.S. conflict thereafter. Many enlisted for manumission or the promise of freedom for service but promises were not honored.
Let’s also set the record straight: our African ancestors did not volunteer to come here. They were kidnapped, trafficked, and enslaved. Yet, in the face of unimaginable brutality, those who survived and remained made this land their home. Despite enduring centuries of systemic racism, Black Americans have continued to shape the fabric of this nation.
We have often done the work beside people who resent us because of the color of our skin—people who hate us, yet emulate our every action, invention, and creation.
From jazz to hip hop, from the traffic light (Garrett Morgan) to blood banks (Dr. Charles Drew), Black thought has been duplicated but rarely credited. Meanwhile, efforts to erase our contributions—whether through the removal of Black history and inages in public spaces, banning classes or history books—have persisted.
We have been lynched, racially profiled, deceived, and degraded by systems upholding white supremacy, both consciously and unconsciously.
Some of us, under societal pressure, have fractured our families and assimilated to survive in a racist system that only accepts us when we conform. Yet, despite the trauma, our Blackness has not been depleted. Our resilience runs deep.
Our past is undeniable. So is our future.
In 2026, don't be a no shiw to your own party. In fact, you are free to organize and host the largest Juneteenth celebration in history right alongside the national celebration. Celebrate in your own way.
Start planning now.
Because Black history is American history.
And we are still here.