Hope many of us had another chance of celebrating the 4th.

Happy 4th by the way.
As in the 4th of July, you know America’s Birthday in all? And I’m sorry to say that many aren’t feeling the goodness in all in which many have came so far in advance of getting that American Dream that many continue to thrive for all this time. And yet, it’s still out there. So for this 243rd edition of the Birthday, it’s time to go deep into the thoughts of asking and yes to come clean. Oh, who am I kidding: with all the meltdown of Patriotism, 45 has this so-called celebration in DC, more black folks denouncing the holiday again but overlooking the good, Nike goes crazy with the Air Max Shoes with the Betsy Ross Flag on it, and everyday shenanigans that makes us Yanks really worried. And yet: I’m scratching my head again.
There is a difference betweeen the “Pledge” and the “Declaration”. Who knows the truth?
For real though, had many really paid attention to 45’s 4th of July Parade with Tanks, and other related copy cat stuff like North Korea?
DYI: (did you know) that in the original draft of the Declaration of Independence, there was this item? (courtesy of the Library of Congress) “he has waged cruel war against human nature itself, violating it’s most sacred rights of life & liberty in the persons of a distant people who never offended him, captivating & carrying them into slavery in another hemisphere, or to incur miserable death in their transportation thither. this piratical warfare, the opprobrium of infidel powers, is the warfare of the CHRISTIAN king of Great Britain. determined to keep open a market where MEN should be bought & sold, he has prostituted his negative for suppressing every legislative attempt to prohibit or to restrain this execrable commerce: and that this assemblage of horrors might want no fact of distinguished die, he is now exciting those very people to rise in arms among us, and to purchase that liberty of which he has deprived them, & murdering the people upon whom he also obtruded them; thus paying off former crimes committed against the liberties of one people, with crimes which he urges them to commit against the lives of another. ”
*This was an idea to strike the issue of slavery out of America. Our founding fathers had this idea in mind (even though more of them were slaveowners) before the states of Georgia and South Carolina had to intervene. And you wonder why asking!
This needs to be asked. We all heard the rendition of Frederick Douglass’ “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” Speech and yet no one read “The American Dream” by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr? Yes! he wrote that in a sermon in 1965 for Independence Day. Who did not read this? By the way Douglass’ speech is really titled: “The Meaning of Fourth of July for the Negro.”
Who still watches the last 4th of July footage of President Barack Obama from 2016? Where he mentioned about “imperfections in our union”?
It’s a fact: there was no parties for the black folks in 1776 when the country was declared. So many had to ask, why the constant stuff like: “This is not my holiday. My holiday was Juneteenth Day.” And also state like, I don’t vote. What kind of ISH is this? And for the record, there were African Americans like Peter Salem and James Armistead Lafayette that fought along the sides of the Continental Army in which…..to gain their freedom. Including John Chavis, Lambert Latham, Oliver Cromwell, Prince Estabrook, just to name few Black Patriots of the era.
The late great Coretta Scott King once said: “Struggle is a never ending process. Freedom is never really won, you earn it and win it in every generation”. Agree or Disagree?
Who bought the Betsy Ross Kicks from Nike? $140.00 dollars worth?
CALLOUT: Ok. I like Old Navy. And Old Navy is celebrating it’s 25th Anniversary. And yes around this time, the store had all the flag T-Shirts out for the holiday, which was selling during the Memorial Day Weekend. But on Facebook,it was noted that they were selling the shirts in a Purple theme design signifying the silver anniversary on 4th of July. But I need answers: Why did Old Navy had to sell 1,994 shirts online and then when word got out, they were gone?! Somebody really tell me something and yet that is a something worth scratching my head for!
And also, when Old Navy got the purple shirts out, there was a message on the back that transcribed almost with the original pledge of allegiance. Without the words “Under God” on it. And many of the folks on social media went nuts. Why, sway?
It seems that some black folks do celebrate the 4th. And guess what, you know Malia Obama’s birthday is on the holiday, right? And she’s just now 21.
Who’s rocking the Essence Festival this weekend in New Orleans? For the 25th time in a row!
Of all the patriots past and present: who were or are the patriotic introverts in American History that defied the odds? No matter what time-frame, era, gender, race, creed, class, preference, or next generation status?
OK, many folks had to ask: with all this stuff concerning the 4th with fireworks, why not of that for Juneteenth Day? Better start now! We need Black Pyrotechnic Workers!
Milwaukee: last night began a new era in our “July 3rd before the 4th traditional fireworks.” The Milwaukee Brewers, American Family Insurance and other private businesses forged together to bring the now “Lakefront Fireworks”. When the fog was getting to be worse, it kind of cleared. But we had our show. So, how did they do? And also they will be back in July 2020. Ahead of the DNC Convention in the city!
In the first half of Summerfest, Pop Artist Lizzo (you know the one that dissed John Williams’ song Jaws being lazy) had a difficult spot with a member of the security squad member that racially encountered Lizzo’s hair stylist and another stylist after her first Big Gig Performance. And yet, it was Lizzo’s first coming off the heels of the 2019 BET Awards. My question is, has that Summerfest Security Guard Member been fired yet?! And will anyone book Lizzo in the future in Milwaukee? You know already that the city is segregated.
Speaking of the DNC: How are the ideas coming along, Milwaukee? We are about ONE YEAR this month away from welcoming the Democrats to the Brew City!
Speaking of Dream Teams: Which team right now in 2019 is a team that nobody is taking seriously but noticing? Oh, it has to be a U.S. Team.
Speaking of Dream Teams: Which team comes to mind as being a Super team that started the super teams and actually won more than one game and undefeated? Again, it has to be a U.S. Team.
Will the Milwaukee Streetcar be able to “extend the play” in terms of fares and sponsorship between now and 2020? And its still free to ride so far.
How will all U.S. Cities celebrate the 4th of July next year in 2020?
How did many of you played Mortal Kombat 11, the tower version with Jax Briggs, Sonya Blade, etc? Just in time for the 4th.
What is the one place in America that many haven’t gone but need to go?
Seriously asking: is every way the American way?
Seriously asking: Who in the living heck is #ADOS?!! Also known as American Descendants of Slaves? Word is that they don’t know enough knowledge and self hate of being black. And also, what is ADOS’s real agendas regarding the support and assistance of the African-American Community or the Black Community at large that is not very snobbish!
Seriously asking: is there a thing called opportunity to earn your keep? In an American way?
Check this: how will the 4th of July historians really align themselves with the discussions of the 400th anniversary of the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade? Which was in 1619?
Should all black historians really align with the 4th in a sense of expressing their own truths to be self-evident that all men SHOULD BE created equal?
The one thing still remains, how will the struggle continue for the better now since the 4th and Juneteenth are now in the rear view? This is an everyday question.
Oh hold up. What up with this? You young Americans and world wide folks take notes on this flow of Hip-Hop!
Second question: for all the triggered folks in America, one of members of Chloe and Hallie will be featured in The Little Mermaid and the triggered folks got mad and pissed all because a black woman is getting the part of Ariel. And they got mad on the Fourth. Really?!
Speaking of being Patriotic: which UNSUNG figures in current American History seemed to be the most patriotic in terms of speaking out against racism, police brutality, white supremacy, and many other shameful acts? Hint: We are talking someone or somebody that is all flag waving celebrating and being very VERY conscious about the issues of America’s problems at hand at the same time!
And…..another thing, anyone noticed that “A Capitol Fourth” was way better than 45’s Celebration in DC? Yeah I said it! And I hate to say it that in the 18th Century, there were no runways and airports. SPOILER ALERT!
Which National Anthem rendition was and is still the best: Whitney Houston, Jimi Hendrix, or Beyonce?
Which America the Beautiful rendition was and is still the best: John Legend, Aretha Franklin or Ray Charles?
This needs to be asked black folks: so the 4th of July “is not considered our holiday” in all, but which holiday is? Oh, if it’s Juneteenth, the word is that many in the Black Community don’t celebrate that either as much as Black History Month. Most of that are facts!
Black folks, when we see our own dress up in Red White and Blue, why do we get upset? Look, many can do Red White And Blue as much as Red, Black and Green and Rainbows. If we can do those without those looks without any disdain, is that considered independent? Or in this case being your own person? Not to offend, but JUST SAYING! As they say, do you!
Which of us in the black community doesn’t mind celebrating the 4th or being greeted “Happy 4th”, but also celebrate Juneteenth Day? Who does BOTH?! This is for those whom are more independent than just being one-sided!
Every Black Family must decorate their houses for Juneteenth Day. Put out the official Juneteenth Day flag and display it. Can that be done? Oh….if those don’t like the Stars and Stripes for the 4th, fly the Juneteenth.
How many times that we were reminded to “Take your place” from the scene of Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Family Reunion? Not put you in your place, but TAKE YOUR PLACE! Just a reminder: Cicely Tyson’s character centered this statement!
When 2020 arrives: is respirations on the list FINALLY?!
When July 4th, 2020 arrives next year, are we going to act more Patriotic and actually VOTE?!! Forget about all the speeches that are anti this or that, what about just going to ballots and VOTE!
When July 4th, 2020 gets here, how many of will not rely on Facebook to sway our votes in a Patriotic manner?
When July 4th, 2020 gets year in a Patroitic manner are we just going to not do nothing or actually get something started to create things HAPPEN?
By the time July 4th, 2020 passes, 10 days later, will be the 2020 DNC Convention in Milwaukee. Will the DNC be Brew City Ready?
And the final question of this 4th of July…….when 2020 gets here are we still going to work towards freedom instead of painting it like a bad habit?
Until the next one: The Struggle (like marathon) Continues!
America Goes 243. And yet the struggle like the marathon still continues.
Posted: July 4, 2019 in #TwitterShare, African American Stories and Viewpoints, Black America, Black Issues, Black stories that all should know and realize, Celebrations, Holidays, July 4th, Juneteenth Day, LGBTQIA, Midwest African American Commentary, Milwaukee African American Commentary, Racism, White Supremacy is a Problem!Tags: 243 years old, Betsy Ross, Colin Kaepernick, Declaration of Independence, Independence Day, Patriotism
Oh, hold up. Wait a minute: Is it Independence Day? The day of the 1776 that many were “partying?” Oh yes, it’s July 4th. The 243rd of the Independence. And yes like before, we can celebrate in all. Plus I said last year and I dare say it again to comment this: The Struggle Continues!
Wake up, Americans! It’s our birthday/anniversary or just call it our day off from work and school. And of course it’s our day to have our say as citizens for another 4th of July Birthday. Let me also say that if we partied or conversated last year with folks whom are not around this year then maybe that was the last conversation. And just to think that this 4th of July is the last 4th under the 2010’s decade. And it’s the first 4th of July that many have to recognize the 400th Anniversary of the last Trans Atlantic Slave Trade of the year 1619. For us Wisconsin folks: our Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes is celebrating his first 4th of July as the first African-American Lt. Governor of the Badger State. That’s indeed a FIRST! Similar to the pivotal aspect of Juneteenth Day of last month.
However like last year we still deal the same issues of black lives being targeted harshly. We still deal with the factors of our LGBTQIA brothers and sisters being judged harshly when it comes to the same sex practices and marriages in the United Methodist Church after the “decision” was made in St. Louis dealing with the General Conference. We also still deal with the twisted laws of misinformation, harassment, bullying after someone tries to give someone a drink, and many other factors America harbors. And yes black folks: many of us still fight among each other in determining our so-called blackness in a harsh manner to the likes of Sen. Kamala Harris.
Let’s be honest here, when “you know who” got elected of course many of us got real stupid. Admit it. As a matter of fact when I referenced the factors of us black folks fighting among each other we still are. We still have this inner hate that whenever we see one of us make it, in a sense of success we sometimes cringe and bear down with the hate of making sure that we tear down our folks in a hateful manner. And yet to quote our Muslim brothers like Malcolm X , this is a classic case of divide and conquer. Where have I heard those words before? Oh yeah, when the Ex-Governor Scott Walker utterly used them during his campaign. Admit the truth. Even though it happened in Wisconsin, but the message still was a look out in a sense of a warning shot.
Another shot of endearment, is with our LGBT Communities. This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in a sense that it resonates the rights of the Gay/Lesbian folks. And even 50 years later in 2019 many of us Americans are still dealing with the issues, lifestyles, choices that many of them go through each time. Oh we see it everyday. And yet this does infact deal with the church! Mainly my denomination of the United Methodist Church. You all know the story with that decision by the General Church in which many of the worldly conservatives kept the part of the LGBT stuff held at bay! And it still being held at bay. However many have to look and also realize that the decision is NOT STOPPING THEM to serve in the church! Already, LGBT Bishops and Ministers are actually coming though and having the chance to minister in the practice that they really wanted to do. In a church in Missouri that gained headlines, there was a confirmation class ceremony to welcome new members. But the youth of that church made a stand that they were not ready to be members based on the issues of their LGBT friends that encountered. They decided to leave the offer on the table until a fair change is acceptable. Keep in mind that this church is United Methodist. And is geared toward the LGBTQIA audience.
For many of us, our laws and confidence had been lacking. In a recent poll conducted on CNN via their New Day Reality Check Segment regarding Patriotism:
Is there a thing called let down? Or melt down? Ever since 45 got into the office (thanks to many who didn’t VOTE UP in 2016) it seems that our sense of Patriotism has been hijacked and overtaken by those who actually feel a sense of anger towards a previous administration. Of course I’m talking about Obama. But also issues of previous years faults and failures that the country had endured in the modern 20th Century towards the baby version of the 21st Century era. And yes, even the communities that has been long forgotten, overlooked and never had a chance to compete with the popular big cities and folks to recognize. Of course, many felt that way for years before 45 and Obama was into the president’s chair. When many make a reference to move out of Milwaukee or any other northern city to go to Atlanta or Texas for example, and stated the reasons why they moved because of the weather, or in this case: racism, crime, and many other factors that played. Now the southern states as much as the rest of country must realize that racism and problems similar are EVERYWHERE!
Most recently, there was this Nike Shoe that came out this week with the old Betsy Ross Flag on the back. We all seen it right?
Let me say this: who wanted to buy some $140.00 Nikes?! And yet when the shoes dropped, many felt that the flags on the back were from a time when slavery was rampant. And word what that Betsy Ross didn’t actually make the flag in the first place! One of Betsy Ross’ slaves according to the recent stories was the original creator of the flag that had the circle stars and 13 stripes. But I had to fact check about America’s Seamstress that did the first flag. According to the real inside intel, Elizabeth Griscolm Ross (her real name) was born in the mid 1700’s and yet did not owned any slaves under her name. Betsy was from a family of Quakers that was against slavery. Uh-oh! Who didn’t know this? Raise your hands right now! For all those that said that she did that, you must get your facts straight right now! See this is what happens when misinformation gets twisted and not knowing the actual proof of this.
CALLOUT: It’s time to get back to those U.S. History Books! And actually get to the point of who the folks were when the country got started. Even if they were Slave-traders/Owners that raped and pillage. Start it up all over again!
We need to continue to know so for that the next generation of Americans don’t get caught up in the Okie-Doke like many of us gone through. Sure many of us had the beginning stages of our countries history that “scratched the surface” however as time goes on and as we continue to progress more into our history, then of course we’ll ask those hard questions like, why didn’t they taught me this in school? Maybe the folks who set up the curriculum way back when didn’t go hard enough! And yes, when Nike yanked the Betsy Ross kicks many had to question exactly what Colin Kaepernick was thinking. I know! Colin never dissed the flag in all, but was addressing the Betsy Ross Flag was used around an ugly time when America had harvested vile white supremacy like a bad habit. That is the truth!
But on this 243rd edition of America’s birth, we need to go even HARDER THAN HELL to get our sense back. It’s going to take not just education, but even HARDER THAN HELL of more educational historical facts to actually get to the point of this holiday and beyond. I’ll bet many of you right now are probably thinking about Juneteenth Day. Remembering how it was supposed to get the info and the truth out. And the joy of getting it right. Even folks who celebrated Juneteenth in the past have gone crazy with problems! Not with standing the thought of it. But understanding the gist to get to the moral compass of our nation. Yes, in 2016 the votes swayed to 45 and many of us are feeling this lack of patriotism. And not voting AT ALL! When was the last time that America had an urge of patriotism that really mattered? Don’t just say 9/11! And when was the last time that Black folks in THIS COUNTRY felt like being normal citizens that fit in with the colonial cause for the better all day everyday? We already know the answer. And basically this has been the talk of the town over and over again ever since the country got started. And I’m also sure that many have been looking for those answers ever since. And still looking.
Well, as they say: The Struggle Continues!
And also to quote the late great Nipsey Hussle: The Marathon Continues.
#Happy4th
#IndependenceDay
#243