Independence: Systems of Inequity Underlying the Notion of Liberty | |
|
"We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."
~Excerpt: The declaration of
Independence Preamble
| |
Photo credits: Tyana Soto, Unsplash | |
By Marion Olang', WE in The World | |
On independence month, as we commemorate the miles we’ve traveled as a nation, let’s take a moment to take stock and do reality checks. Factually, freedom does not bear the same meaning for all of us. The Marxist-Leninist tradition points to four distinguishable although not unrelated notions of freedom: freedom as self-realization, historical-social freedom, the freedom of human activity, and freedom of will. Taking stock of existing conceptualizations of freedom and the reality that surrounds us, are we on the right trajectory towards Liberty? In a nation where to this day, gender and racial inequality, discrimination, and poverty persist for its black, indigenous, Latinx and migrant communities, 4th of July has some of us ruminating on the intricacies of the road to freedom in the quiet of our homes. Not to jinx it but amidst jubilation, we’re forced to question the paradox of the American dream. When in this age and time, the minorities in our midst still have to fight with their sweat and blood, literally, to find a place in a land they call home, is the fight for independence over yet? For a nation that recognizes democracy, America is yet to be free. I see the very monsters we claim to have slain reincarnating in disguise: Neocolonialism is the new imperialism and our economic space is contested by Marxist and capitalist ideologies and capitalism seems to be winning. Unaccountability persists in our systems and institutions, as do classism, gentrification and social segregation. Hoarding of resources and information, and confinement of opportunities within networks is the norm. Women continue to work twice as hard as men for the same amount of pay, while living standards continue to rise significantly with constant wages. How free are we when on the throes of power, we can use media to manipulate information for consumption to our convenience yet to the detriment of the commons? When we lack insight and the means to be independent, when freedom is elusive and dependence is our reality, are we really free? This issue of the digest draws attention to the glaring systemic gaps that negate the very essence of July 4th and freedom in its entirety. | |
In Light of Inequality, What are WE and Our Partners Doing to Facilitate Long-term Change From The Grassroots? | This video is a highlight of how WE and our partners are investing in the leadership of communities to create the solutions toward realization of a just and thriving nation | |
|
Where Is My Independence Day?
A Poetry Reading by Nia Lewis
| |
|
Independence Day Poem
By Laureate Amanda
| |
|
“What to the Slave is 4th of July?”
James Earl Jones Reads Frederick Douglass’s Historic Speech
| |
|
A Seat at the Table: The Black Man’s Intellectual Freedom Journey
Boundless Brothers – Dr. Michael Eric Dyson on The Black Man’s Intellectual Freedom Journey.
| |
|
Apart Together
Aimé Césaire and Léopold Senghor had a radical vision for the world: decolonization without national independence.
| |
|
When France and Britain recognized that they could no longer retain their colonial empires, they sought to retain imperial influence with former colonies. The United States pursued a similar strategy toward new Third World nations, cultivating non-communist allies, natural resources, and markets among nominally sovereign national states. Césaire and Senghor wanted something very different. Their vision challenged the very principles of territoriality, nationality and state sovereignty.
| | |
Why Thomas Jefferson’s Anti-Slavery Passage Was Removed from the Declaration of Independence | |
The Founding Fathers were fighting for freedom—just not for everyone.
BY: YOHURU WILLIAMS
UPDATED: JUNE 7, 2023
| The exact circumstances of the passage’s removal may never be known. The removal was mostly fueled by political and economic expediencies. Decades later, in his autobiography, Jefferson primarily blamed two Southern states for the clause’s removal, while acknowledging the North’s role as well. | |  |
|
Fourth of July – Independence Day
BY: HISTORY.COM EDITORS
UPDATED: JUNE 14, 2023
| |
The Fourth of July has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition ... goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution.
Festivities including concerts, bonfires, parades and the firing of cannons and muskets usually accompanied the first public readings of the Declaration of Independence, beginning immediately after its adoption. Philadelphia held the first annual commemoration of independence on July 4, 1777.
Read more about the history of Independence Day celebrations and early celebration traditions.
| | |
|
7 Ways Spatial Inequality Compromises Health and Well-Being
Community commons
Inequality impacts all of us, with some groups bearing a much heavier burden than others. Resources for a healthy life are not distributed equally within or between communities. Access to clean air and water, healthy food, employment opportunities, health care, and much more differs by place. These gaps in distribution are not an accident or an afterthought: they are by design...Here are some ways that spatial inequities compromise the health and well-being of our communities.
| | | |
|
It’s Time to Decolonize the Decolonization Movement
July 29, 2021 PLOS Global Health Thought Leadership
| |
These days, one can barely throw a stone in a global health space without hitting something to do with decolonizing global health. The decolonization of global health is the latest topic du jour and everyone is an expert. “Global health must be decolonized!” is the growing call to action.
But, how? And do folks understand what the term ‘decolonization’ actually involves?
| |
|
AWAKE to WOKE to WORK: Building a Race Equity Culture
This document serves as a reference for building and expanding individual and organizational capacity to advance race equity. It outlines the need for building a Race Equity Culture in social sector organizations and supports organizations with starting, maintaining, and advocating for race equity.
| |
|
|
Leonard-Litz LGBTQ Foundation: LGBTQ+ Community Grants (New Hampshire)
Type: Foundation
Due Date: Rolling
Match Required: No Cost Share
Overview: The purpose of this program is to help LGBTQ+ people fulfill their potential by funding nonprofit organizations that advance the interests and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community through advocacy and with programs and services that meet the needs of LGBTQ+ people. Funding will be provided for life-affirming services that address one or more of the following focus areas:
- Health and wellness
- Crisis intervention
- Racial justice
- Advocacy and community engagement
- Social assistance and programming
Huntington National Bank: Charitable Grant Program (Wisconsin)
Type: Foundation
Due Date: Rolling
Match Required: No Cost Share
Overview: The purpose of this program is to contribute to the development of healthy, vibrant communities. Funding will support projects that improve self-sufficiency and quality of life, as well as advance social and economic equality, in communities served by the funding agency.
Support will be provided for projects in the following focus areas:
- Community revitalization and stabilization
- Community services
- Affordable housing
- Economic and community development
- Racial/social equity
| | | | |
