Frederick Douglass on Patriotism and Taking A Knee
Today, the 4th of July, reminds us of our independence but not of its universality or equity. Frederick Douglass famously called attention to America's hypocrisy in his 4th of July speech in 1852. Recently, his descendants read portions of his speech, which you can see here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBe5qbnkqoM
As Davout says in his powerful article, Douglass called for a better America, one that would move beyond empty patriotic gestures. It's a message that's even more urgently needed today.