This year, America celebrates 250 years of independence, a milestone made possible by those who dared to imagine a nation with ideals of liberty, justice, self-governance, and hope for a better future.
The freedoms we now enjoy were hard-fought by individuals who, 250 years ago, stood up to tyranny, to kings who would rather have kept them as subjects. These rights and freedoms should not be taken for granted and must be fought for and defended by each generation.
While the current administration makes it its goal to stir up chaos and dismantle the pathways and resources working people rely on, this milestone anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence is a moment to remember who we are and our responsibilities to ourselves and to our community to keep fighting for our values and ideals.
With its reckless actions and attacks on long-standing civil rights, the current administration would rather we believe that the road ahead is insurmountable. We have proven that is far from the case by taking them head-on and winning – protecting our schools, students, and educators from attacks on their civil rights and academic freedom.
No scare tactics or attempts at division can hold up against the power we have when we stand together in the face of tyranny.
The promise of freedom has never been as straightforward as it should be. It is up to ‘We, the People’ to ensure this country lives up to the ideals of liberty, justice, and self-governance and does not bend to the beck and call of the elite and billionaires who neither speak for the people nor have our best interests at heart.
Through belief, persistence, and tenacity, the United States won its independence. Every freedom to be protected and those yet to be won will be secured through that same resolve.
Whether it’s firing up the grill, watching the fireworks, or just spending time with family and friends, use this weekend to enjoy the company of those around you and recharge for the continued fight ahead to build the country we believe in.
Happy Independence Day!
Kenya Campbell, President
AFT Maryland, AFT, AFL-CIO
