I don't judge any black person for choosing to celebrate the Fourth of July. It is, in fact, a time to be with loved ones, eat good food, and turn up. However, the more I learn about this country and the more I feel the wrath of white supremacy, the harder it is for me to celebrate. People have reasons for everything they do so understand the reasons I' not celebrating the 4th this year.

1. Juneteenth is our independence day.

Black people have a deeply rooted history with this country, most of which has not been good. Now while black people continue to excel despite the circumstances, I can't celebrate what doesn't celebrate me. If I'm going to celebrate any type of Independence in this country, I'm going to choose the independence of my people. Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. Celebrating the epitome of white privilege, stomping into someone else's home and taking it as your own while dragging us with you, is not really my scene.

2. My ancestors spent July 4, 1776 in the field.

Staying right on the subject of not celebrating what does not celebrate me, I can't celebrate a holiday that I know my ancestors couldn't celebrate freely. First of all, the Slave Trade Act abolishing the slave trade wasn't until 1807, so while "Americans" are celebrating freedom, "Americans" are still stripping other people's freedom away. Not to mention we built this country and have yet to get any reparations. 

3. The police are at an all-time high on holidays.

Sadly, I don't feel very free in this country, especially in the eyes of the police. I already know the police are going to be out and thirsty AF on the 4th of July. Seeing as I don't want to be another hashtag and victim of the crooked system, I'm going to do my best to avoid them. Not that that's ever stopped them before, but wishful thinking. 

4. How can I celebrate this country at a time when Trump is the president?

Need I say more? 

5. I can drink and eat hot dogs whenever.

The liquor store is always open, and so is Kroger's. I can turn up whenever. Since it's family reunion season, I'd much rather drink and eat good food celebrating my family than celebrating some freedom that doesn't apply to me.