Earlier this week, Americans all over the country celebrated Independence Day, a celebration that recognizes America’s independence from Great Britain.
July 4, specifically, is a holiday that commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
On the days leading up to July 4 and certainly on that day, I found myself reflecting on select words and phrases that comprised the Declaration of Independence, the true intent of its authors and the current state of America.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
All men are created equal.
Unalienable rights.
Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
It all sounds so good, so promising, doesn’t it?
On Monday, I had the privilege of attending the naturalization ceremony for 97 individuals who represented 31 countries. Each of the 97 individuals was eager to become American citizens.
It was an amazing event to attend. The spirit of patriotism among all who attended was evident. The look of excitement on the faces of each of the new citizens as their names were called made me proud to be a witness to such a monumental occasion. And then there was the look of hope and accomplishment in each of their eyes. It was as if they truly believed that they finally had it … a piece of the American pie.
There was one newfound citizen originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo who garnered a lot of attention. Jose Lusende’s excitement was hard to ignore. As his name was called to receive his flag, Lusende enthusiastically stood up, extending his arms in an expression of pure elation.
Lusende is a personal friend of mine. As a matter of fact, he, his wife and their children are more like family. I’ve known him for years, and his smile, his passion, his level of enthusiasm have always lifted my spirits — even if I was sad, uncertain, angry or even if my mind was trying to resolve one issue or another. It is hard for anyone — even the most stoic person — not to be happy or, at the minimum, have a smile on their face in Jose’s presence.
At the naturalization ceremony, I was so happy for Jose, but if I am honest, there was something else on my mind. I couldn’t help but look at my friend — a Black male — so excited about finally becoming an American citizen while countless other Black men across the country shudder at being American, largely because they are Black and seemingly have a target on their backs.
My mind raced as I thought of the Black men in this country who were gunned down by police, including the most recent, Indianapolis resident Aaron Bailey. It is so intriguing to me at that moment how one Black man could be so proud to be an American while another probably detested the notion of being Black, male and American.
As I observed the naturalized citizens from Burma, Afghanistan, India and other countries, I couldn’t help but think of the discrimination that people like them experience every day on American soil.
The irony of it all was mind blowing.
While at the ceremony, the more I found my mind reflecting on the ugly realities of the current condition of the United States, the more determined I became to focus on the present — the ceremony, the looks of excitement, the patriotic feel of the afternoon. And that’s when my heart became light and filled with optimism.
All men are created equal.
Unalienable rights.
Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
In that moment, at that ceremony, those words felt right. They felt authentic. They felt attainable.
If only for that moment.
