Here in Philadelphia, Independence Day has a special significance. Our nation was founded here, and formed through determination, conflict, and consensus.
Philadelphia is also the place where big ideas—like equality, liberty, and inalienable rights—were discussed, questioned, and written into the documents that would guide the United States for generations to come. Yet, our Founding Fathers intended for their big ideas to apply to land-owning white men only.
Seventy-six years after America’s founding, famed abolitionist and world-renowned orator Frederick Douglass asked the nation in what would be one of his most famous speeches, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”
In his speech, Douglass acknowledged the nation’s founders as great men, but also raised awareness about how their stated ideals did not reconcile with the existence of slavery in America, and the fact that many of them were slaveholders.
Today, less than 200 years removed from slavery, this contradiction lingers. Since then, people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, young people, people with disabilities, and other marginalized communities have fought for and won the rights and liberties that were not granted to them by the Founding Fathers. Each of these victories has brought America closer to realizing its ideals.
The Fourth of July serves as a reminder to us all to use our minds, bodies, and voices to continue to build the country that we want for us, our families, and our future.
Here’s how you can celebrate Independence Day while exercising the rights and liberties this country was founded on:
Register to vote.
In Philadelphia we vote twice a year, every year. Voting is one of the most important ways to participate in democracy. Before we get to the 2020 presidential elections, we have our local general elections taking place in November 2019 for Mayor, City Council, Sheriff, and other races. You can learn more about Philadelphia’s local elections and how to register to vote by visiting philadelphiavotes.com.
Get involved in your community.
SERVE Philadelphia offers a training program that provides community members with the tools needed to create lasting positive change. You can sign up for the next Civic Engagement Academy (CEA) today. The trainings are meant to support local problem-solving that’s driven by community members themselves.
Stay informed about what your government is doing.
The Mayor’s Office of Public Engagement (OPE) works to make City government accessible to all Philadelphians and ensures that everyone’s voice is heard. In the #EngagingPHL newsletter, you can expect updates from our office, information on upcoming city events, new job and volunteer opportunities, and more. We want you to be informed, and hope to provide opportunities for you to help us make our city better. Sign up for the #EngagingPHL newsletter to get these updates sent straight to your inbox each month.
