DSU Professor speaks on the contributions of African Americans during the Revolutionary War
DELAWARE- July 4, 1776, is when America gained its freedom. Sadly, not all Americans were free at the time.
In 1852, Fredrick Douglas asked the question, what does the Fourth of July mean to the slave? saying in part, “I am not included within the pale of this glorious anniversary! Your high independence only reveals the immeasurable distance between us. The blessings in which you, this day, rejoice, are not enjoyed in common. The rich inheritance of justice, liberty, prosperity and independence, bequeathed by your fathers, is shared by you, not by me…” Experts say 176 years later even though much has changed, much has stayed the same.
Dr. Samuel B. Hoff is a history professor at Delaware State University and says as a Country, we’ve taken advantage of the contributions African-Americans have made to this country. Dr. Hoff says there were freed Blacks in the Continental Army and George Washington realized how crucial they were to the war and allowed both freed and enslaved Blacks to fight.
“So many African Americans fought for independence and when we think about that, we sometimes take it for granted. The 4th of July to African Americans is still in many ways, a promise. A promise that was made by the framers of our government, most of who themselves were slave owners. Although they comprised only about four percent of the American forces, African Americans were about 20 percent of the manpower that was fighting.”
He says July 4th is a very important holiday for our country, and the same can be said for Juneteenth. According to Dr. Hoff, all history is American history. “I always believe the 4th of July is important to understand. When we think about that we think of the effort of trying to achieve something for everyone, not just for the Caucasians, I see no polarity, no opposites between those two. I think that if anything we should have more Caucasians celebrating Juneteenth.”
Fredrick Douglass goes on to say in that 1852 address, in part quote, “I have said that the Declaration of Independence is the ringbolt to the chain of your nation’s destiny; So indeed, I regard it. The principles contained in that instrument are saving principles. Stand by those principles, be true to them on all occasions, in all places, against all foes, and at whatever cost.”
Local community leaders have taken the time to tell all citizens to pay attention to the politics around them and be the change, you wish to see.
