Recently, journalist Joy Reid expressed her opinion that Juneteenth should be recognized as the true celebration of American freedom, instead of July 4th. During a conversation with MS NOW analyst Alex Wagner on her YouTube show, Reid shared that many Black individuals do not partake in the enthusiastic celebrations of Independence Day. Instead, they use the day off for relaxation rather than celebration.
“It is what Frederick Douglass said it is. It is the celebration of slaveholders who freed themselves from having to pay taxes to the crown, for their slave empire,” Reid voiced. This reflects the complex feelings among African Americans regarding the history tied to the Fourth of July.
Reid compared this sentiment to the feelings Indigenous people have about Thanksgiving, noting that both holidays represent heavier historical contexts. She highlighted how Juneteenth, marking the end of slavery, is more emblematic of achieving democracy, especially after the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments were enforced in the 1960s.
Reid discussed historical figures like Abraham Lincoln and noted that despite his opposition to slavery, he initially prioritized preserving the union over abolishing slavery, illustrating a common sentiment in American history.
During the discussion, Wagner and Reid tackled the representation of patriotism through Juneteenth, contrasting it with figures like President Donald Trump. Reid asserted that Trump embodies much of America’s historical narrative, although not all agree he represents the current stance of the nation.
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