More Than Just a Word

Freedom. What does it mean to each of us individually and collectively? We just celebrated our country’s independence. But freedom is something that should always be in our collective consciousness. As I heard a commentor say recently: Freedom is not an end. Freedom is a practice.

Looking back on past blogs about freedom and July 4th, I excerpted and updated some thoughts.

Black Lives Matter. The people who protested George Floyd’s death in May 2020 represented a wide diversity of American citizens: diversity in age, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, occupation, and the list goes on.  

Juneteenth. This little-known holiday rose to national attention and celebration in 2020 following Floyd’s death. It was first celebrated on June 19, 1865 to commemorate the proclamation that slaves in Texas were free [despite President Lincoln outlawing slavery in all states that fought against the Union almost two and a half years earlier]. Juneteenth is now a national holiday. 

Obergefell v. Hodges. This landmark Supreme Court decision on June 26, 2015—sandwiched between Juneteenth and July 4—legalized same sex marriage. It required all states to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples and to recognize same-sex marriages validly performed in other jurisdictions.

Bostock v. Clayton County. Five days before Juneteenth, on June 15, 2020, the Supreme Court handed down a decision regarding LBGTQ equality. It established that employment discrimination against someone because of their sexual orientation or transgender status violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act’s prohibition against discrimination because of sex.   

Dobbs v. Jackson’s Women Health. On June 24, 2022—sandwiched between Juneteenth and July 4—the Supreme Court overturned its landmark decision of Roe v. Wade which guaranteed women in every state the freedom to choose an abortion. 

Will protests, demonstrations, national holidays, and Supreme Court decisions eliminate bias and discrimination?  No.  Equality is still an issue we must deal with and address. Have these events raised our collective awareness? I would like to think that we are finally realizing that the freedoms some of us enjoy are not, and have not been, equally enjoyed by all. And freedoms can be withdrawn or diminished.

Let your voice be heard. The First Amendment guarantees “the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” Participate in demonstrations if you are comfortable doing so. Let your elected officials know your position on issues involving freedoms. Support candidates who support you. And be sure to vote.

Remember: Freedom is not an end. Freedom is a practice. Reflect on that as you consider what you can do and what you will do.