An Independence Day wish from Harriette Cole

Today marks the anniversary of independence for our great nation. At a time when the freedom of so many of our citizens is being questioned, compromised and otherwise made less stable, it is essential for us to think about who we are. Without question, there are flaws in this experiment in democracy. And yet, when I travel to di erent parts of the world, I see beauty all around while valuing my own country that much more.

When bad things happen stateside, many people stop to think about what they can or should do to make a di erence. Guess what? This isn’t new. Going back as far as Marcus Garvey, there have been leaders who attempted to liberate Americans in bondage. Even then, the better choice turned out to be fighting on this soil for equal rights — or so many believe.

Today, our country is in the midst of waging war all around the world in order to preserve our freedom here. A bigger discussion, though, is happening on our own soil.

On this day of independence, I challenge us all to consider new ways of considering each other, starting with making the choice to accept those before us for who they are, without judgment. What happens then? From that vantage, we create the chance to redefine our truth.

We make space to recognize and welcome the humanity in each and every one of us, even when we do not understand who is facing us.