July Thoughts and Themes

July is known for “emancipation,” “independence,” or “freedom.” As several nations around the world celebrate “emancipation” or “independence” (for example: Canadacelebrates on 7/1; this 2026 the United States of America celebrates its 250th independence on 7/4 (although, again, as an African born in America I would ask you to read or listen to Frederick Douglass’ 4th of July speech to understand the complexity of the USA’s independence which is controversial for many Black folx); Malawi celebrates on 7/6; Sao Tome & Principe celebrates on 7/12; France celebrates “Bastille Day” on 7/14). 

And while many nations celebrate “freedom” I would be remiss if I did not recognize that present day bondage still occurs in the form of human trafficking that victimizes far too many globally, so again I’d ask one to consider learning what you can do (see: https://traffickinginstitute.org/ or https://www.iom.int/counter-trafficking or please research for yourself) &/or support those organizing against this present-day horror. Similarly, we continue to see the “freedom” of our Palestinian brothers and sisters being brutally assaulted in broad daylight, so consider the work of UNRWA or AFSC or Jewish Voice for Peace or learning what you can do &/or supporting BDS or other efforts. 

Finally, many end July celebrating Pan African Women’s Day on 7/31 because our African sisters hold up more than ½ the sky. So, whether you celebrate Emancipation, Independence, Nelson Mandela or Pan-African Women’s Day with grilling, fireworks or community gathering please consider using intergenerational storytelling as a way to enjoy your celebrations. Intergenerational storytelling is a great way to pass on our history and culture to the next generation. 

“Lest we forget,” which is what “usisahau” means, and this is important because if we do not tell our story then how will our children know of our greatness? The Hon. Marcus Garvey once said “a people without knowledge of their past history...is like a tree without roots.” 

So, I close by imploring you to tell stories of challenges, struggle and triumph while naming the names of some of our freedom soldiers (such as Frantz Fanon (who is one of the most influential revolutionary thinkers and organizers of the 20th century and on July 20 it marks another anniversary for the birth of this Martiniquian revolutionary, physician, psychiatrist, author and emissary) or Assata Shakur (who recently joined the ancestors and she celebrates heavenly a birthday on 7/16 and many remember her as a freedom soldier that organized with the Black Panther Party and Black Liberation Army who escaped political imprisonment in 1984) and she helped to advance the cause of justice for our people – uhuru or freedom is the call (especially as we look forward to the self-determined observances of #BlackAugust!