July Fourth did not feel the same
In this Letter to the Editor, Richmond resident Ernest Parker Jr. says this year's Independence Day celebrations were overshadowed by concerns about racial injustice and what he sees as setbacks to civil rights. Despite his disappointment, he urges readers to remain united, vote and persevere in the face of adversity. The post July Fourth did not feel the same appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.
Black News 
By Ernest Parker Jr.
Richmond, Va.
I do not know how many of you felt but July Fourth did not feel the same to me this year.
Usually I am excited about seeing the fireworks and running around to various cookouts to see my friends. This year was different for me. I felt a little disappointed when seeing how commercials, etc. were trying to capitalize on the 250 year anniversary, especially after the way we are being treated.
It seems as if various laws being passed are trying to bring Jim Crow back into existence. All of those gains that our ancestors fought for to try and achieve racial equality are being repelled by various government agencies starting from the top. You see white supremist groups marching on the boardwalk at Virginia Beach as well as Washington, D.C., with their confederate flags and other paraphernalia.
But even though we are living in difficult times we must stand united and vote. Our voices must be heard at the ballot box. We have been through slavery, bitten by dogs while marching for equality and many other horrendous acts, so no doubt we will get through this as well. We must continue to persevere when the road gets rocky and let nobody turn us around when evil gets in our path. Rest assured at the end we will prevail. As was said in the poem “Invictus” by William Ernest Hensley, “My head is bloody but unbowed.”
The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the AFRO.
The post July Fourth did not feel the same appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.
