Why I will always celebrate the 4th of July

Summer to me has always meant cool lakeside breezes, cook-outs, new clothes and lots of delicious food.  And the fireworks, let us not forget the fireworks!!!

Yes, I admit it, I am a card carrying, flag waving black Yankee Doodle Dandy!!! I LOVE THE FOURTH OF JULY! This earth I stand on is watered with the blood, sweat and tears of our ancestors, I ain't going nowhere. And I am going to ride this until the wheels fall off.

I am not going to stop celebrating, because if anybody has the right to party, it is the descendants of the people who's stoop labor built this country.

My ancestors were hanged from trees, tarred and feathered, set a fire, bombed from the air by governmental troops, the only way to stop me from celebrating is if the 4th is abolished, and that probably won't stop me either.

There is nothing like the music of children's laughter in the air on a warm July night...

The simple acts of coming together, sharing food and fighting over who can hold the latest baby reminds us that we are a tribe.  An ill-used, poorly served tribe, but a village none the less.

The holiday happiness I feel radiates outward, and I am sure it does for most folks.  Yes, family functions are full of friction, but that works to polish our black diamonds, our children.

A lot goes on at our cook-outs...life lessons, conflict resolution, bonding and a strong dash of drama.  Who could give that up?

Certainly, my people have been downtrodden, murdered and disgraced due to that heinous poison known as racism, but hatred will not stop me from celebrating my homeland's birth.  I am a firm believer in America - Love it or Leave It. 

I have no intention of leaving this land, might as well party.  And while I party, I will do what I can with what I have to make America better.  She is sorely wounded, blood pouring from numerous wounds yet there is hope.  Hope that America can be healed before it is rent asunder.  Hope that this virulent atmosphere that is choking us can be lifted. Hope that the violence so prevalent can be quashed.  Hope that America will remember why it was established in the first place...

So you are invited to my place next year.  Bring the babies, the maybies (maybe Mr./Ms. Right), your issues and napkins and paper towels.  Check the old feuds at the door and grab a plate.

Fireworks at 10:30!!