“This 4th of July is yours, not mine” Lakers star LeBron James sent out a powerful Independence Day message
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The 4th of July is usually a very auspicious and celebration filled day for the citizens of the United States of America. For several years prior to gaining independence, freedom fighters and many leaders fought tirelessly against the British government. During the 1700s, the British Empire was the top most power in the world and tried colonizing many regions.
This is year especially has been a tough ride for the country after witnessing some of the most brutal murders, shootings and injustice cases. We all remember the shootings that took place in Uvalde, Buffalo and Milwaukee which left the entire nation shell shocked. The fight for women’s rights, against racial discrimination and a failing government is currently at its peak. Independence Day unfortunately never saw a happy ending either.
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The African-American community’s history with 4th of July
In recent times, the African-American community has faced a lot of discrimination. The mass shooting that took place in Buffalo had ten black individuals killed. The federal offices labeled the incident as a racial discriminatory hate crime. Some other cases like the Breonna Taylor killing and police brutality case in 2020 that took the life of George Floyd shows the struggle the community has faced.
There is a reason why the blacks do not celebrate Independence Day. During the time of the country’s freedom in 1776, their community was still facing the tortures of slavery. Those days, African-Americans were often mistreated by the white natives and several were killed as well.
LeBron James sends out another powerful message on Independence Day
LeBron James has been an active participant in social justice movements for the black community. The Los Angeles Lakers forward has been extremely influential in terms of his status in career. On the 4th of July, he quoted a very powerful phrase that was used in speech by abolitionist Freddie Douglass.
“This 4th of July is yours, not mine,” he said in a tweet after Actor James Earl Jones had quoted Douglass’ speech which was delivered in New York on July 5, 1852. Freddie Douglass was unfortunately born into the cruelty of slavery. He escaped where he was being slaved and became a key social reformer. The NBA along with LeBron James has always encouraged the growth of the community and proudly stand by it.
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