The Spirit of Independence: Honoring America's Tradition of Resilience This 4th of July

Recently, I shared with my son that our lineage includes the youngest combatant from the battle of Lexington and Concord, whose youthful ears first heard “the shot heard ‘round the world.” I also reminded him about the courageous men and women in our family tree who were enslaved, who vowed to escape and liberate others, and who fought for their rights and their communities post-emancipation.I emphasized, “We descend from freedom fighters, both Black and White. We resisted monarchy and slavery, and now we face the oligarchical threat. Like before, we will prevail.” This narrative embodies not just our family’s legacy, but also America’s. Though this nation isn't flawless, it possesses an enduring capacity for transformation, championing freedom and dignity, as citizens persistently demand change. Independence Day symbolizes this commitment—celebrating our resolve to pursue liberty and justice unwaveringly. As we reflect on our history, we recognize the imperative to continue this legacy of resilience. Ben Jealous is the Sierra Club's executive director and a professor at the University of Pennsylvania.