THIS IS MY COUNTRY

 

As a Black man should I celebrate the 4^thof July? I do every year and here is why.

I live here and have raised my family here like my father before me and his before him and so on.

Black men have fought in every war this country has ever had. I have an uncle, a Marine who fought in three of our wars -WWII, Korea and in Vietnam so that I wouldn't have to.

I've seen much of the country from coast to coast and it is beautiful.

Some things we did get right as a nation. I am proud that we have remained a democracy for over 243 years and that we still have both freedom of speech and freedom of religion. 

Also we are a diverse people of all races and cultures living here in America and I like that too.

These are just some of my reasons why I celebrate the 4^th of July every year but you decide for yourself. I know that there are also problems some of them running long and deep. Nevertheless my ancestors paid a heavy price just being here and I'm not going anywhere. This is where I belong, this is my country.

I've shared two links below to two Black artists who sang songs about America. As you listen to them ask yourself if these two men truly believed the words that they were singing? They sold me on it, I believe they too believe, THIS IS MY COUNTRY! 

This is My Country, Curtis Mayfield and The Impressions - 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlF2GzfU7DE

America The Beautiful, Ray Charles - 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FXN1Z6Q004

Photo - That's me on the far left with a group of family members.