Freedom (pt. 1)

The Fourth of July. A big day in the U.S., to say the least. But it’s no secret that this federal holiday has recently summoned socio-political tension in the wake of multiple nationwide events — injustices, actually. Indeed, some have decided to “cancel” the observation of July 4th in protest. Others, many of whom resonate with nationalistic ideology, are perfectly comfortable raising a glass (or three) for this country. And then there‘s those who are trying to hold two realities at once: feeling the manifestation of justified anger while also wanting to celebrate independence as an idea, as a right.

Today, as a Filipino-American, I celebrate America’s independence AND independence from America. I recognize that, as of today, the United States has now been an independent nation for as long as slavery existed on this land. 246 years. And yet, still we are not all free. We are not free from corrupt politicians, systemic racism, threats to bodily autonomy, generational poverty, gun violence, xenophobia, anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric and violence, and so much more. So, together, let us take a stand for freedom not just today and not just for some, but always and for all.