One of my observations in the aftermath of the September 11 attack was the response of black folks. Of course, we felt the senseless loss of life as it has become an unwelcome part of our lives since being brought to these shores. Black people have always served as this country’s moral compass. But because we’ve been so dehumanized and treated like second class citizens, we struggled for ways to demonstrate our humanity and empathize with the nearly 3000 lives lost on that day. What I found so fascinating was the scores of black people who followed the lead of white Americans in buying American flags. We put them on our cars, stuck them in our yards, wore them on our chests as if to remind the country, “We, too, sing America.” I still find this fascinating.

How the nation celebrates its 250th year
It’s been 174 years since the famous abolitionist, Frederick Douglass, issued his scathing address on July 4 celebrations. The nation couldn’t handle the truth then, and it cannot handle it now. The Trump regime is giving us a harsh reality check as the country prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday.

