I woke up this morning to an email from a friend containing a picture of two of my kids taken on Juneteenth on our back porch while they participated in the New-York Historical Society online educational cooking class. As I look at their innocent faces in that image, I am encouraged to use the Independence Day to inform, educate and inspire them to be seen, valued, loved and a critical part of US history. Independence Day for our family has always been about an opportunity to be together, many times alone just our family unit and usually on a road trip. This year we are sitting out traveling due to Covid-19, and thus the Fourth of July will be a quiet day at home. Our hearts are heavy. I’m struggling with the inability to just get on a plane and explore a national park where I can teach our kids about the history of the natives to the land often Native Americans and Black Americans whose stories are left out of the history books. Today, our family will focus on us. We will celebrate our triumphs, victory and the fact that despite a system that is not for us, we are still here. We will choose joy. We will sit on our back porch listening to music that expresses our story, our history and our rightful place to thrive. We will dance, we will laugh, we will hug and most importantly, we will love. In the midst of pain, we will focus on joy. Two years ago, my husband sat in front of this black chalkboard and pondered what he could draw about the 4th of July that would be just and true. It’s been a struggle to celebrate a holiday that excludes us. Link to full blog post including how to register for the @nyhistory 4th of July online offerings in bio. @notyourmommashistory #4thofjuly #indepenceday #blackjoy #blackhomeschool (at Hartford, Connecticut)
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