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The first 4th of July occurred more than 86 years before Black Americans were freed from slavery, so what does the holiday mean to us? Today, Black Americans approach the 4th of July in different ways. For some, it’s a time to take a break from work and bond with family and friends while enjoying good food. For some others, it is a reminder of the ongoing struggles for racial justice in America. The Fourth of July Used to Be a Black Holiday In 1852, famed abolitionist and former slave Frederick Douglass told a large, mostly white crowd in Rochester, New York, "This Fourth [of] July is yours not mine." And many other African Americans of that time period felt the same way. But after the Civil War in 1865, things had changed. In his research of July Fourth celebrations from 1827 to 1865, Lande found that many Black Americans treated the holiday as an opportunity to “sanctify and reflect,” meditating on what America The 4th of July may be synonymous with cookouts and fireworks, but since its inception, Black Americans have marked the day with protest. Federal Aviation Administration implements flight restrictions in Black Hills ahead of vice presidential visit RAPID CITY, S.D. – The vice president of the United States will be in the Black Hills ahead of the Fourth of July holiday. Vice President JD Vance is expected to visit South Dakota this week as part of his family’s Independence Day celebrations, multiple sources have confirmed to When the Fourth of July Was a Black Holiday After the Civil War, African Americans in the South transformed Independence Day into a celebration of their newly won freedom. “What, to the American slave, is your Fourth of July?” It wasn’t a rhetorical question. It was a bold callout of the hypocrisy this country was built on. Experience the beauty and patriotism of the Fourth of July in the majestic Black Hills of South Dakota. This iconic region comes alive with a vibrant celebration of America's independence, offering a rich mix of traditional events and outdoor adventures. Whether you're drawn to the festive parades, the opportunity to dine al fresco amidst nature, or the call of the wild trails, the Black Hills Black citizens in early America confronted a "national double-speak" in which white Americans celebrated freedom while supporting the enslavement of Black people. The History of 4th of July and Black Americans Interesting Read, News black holidays, fourth of july Reading the complicated history of many American holidays, including this upcoming July 4th, shines a light on the suffering and challenges experienced by Black Americans then, and still, to this day. The 4th of July may be synonymous with cookouts and fireworks, but since its inception, Black Americans have marked the day with protest. For Black people, July 4 holds a complicated and largely For many, the 4th of July represents some very ugly truths about America's legacy. Here's why I'm not celebrating the 4th of July. For Black Americans, Independence Day Is Complicated July 4th celebrations remind some Black Americans of America's sordid racial past. Black Hills Round Up July 1 to July 5, 2025 Six days of outdoor events the week of the 4th of July. Rodeo events include barrel racing, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, bull riding and team roping. Additional round up events include concerts, golf tournament, carnaval and a parade. Fireworks can be seen on July 2nd and 3rd after the rodeo. Plan your Fourth of July in the Black Hills and Badlands. Discover parades, rodeos, fireworks, and family-friendly events in communities like Rapid City, Deadwood, and Custer. Explore activities at monuments and enjoy local traditions across the region. The 4th of July is a federal holiday in the United States that commemorates the Continental Congress’s signing of the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain. Exploring the complex relationship between Black Americans and the Fourth of July, highlighting the history of slavery and the Declaration of Independence. Every year, like clockwork, America throws itself a birthday party on July 4.The invitations are loud: fireworks, flags, star-spangled everything. Burgers, hot dogs, beer and bald eagles if you're feeling extra. Every year, I show up, just not for the same reasons.See, for a lot of Black folks, Independence Day hits different. The 4th of July may be synonymous with cookouts and fireworks, but since its inception, Black Americans have marked the day with protest. For Black people, July 4 holds a complicated and largely
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