Maybe so, Maybe Not , p.19

Maybe so, Maybe Not , p.19

"Hurrah for the glorious Fourth of July! Fire salutes. Make patriotic speeches- celebrate, folks, celebrate. Bang! Bomb! Hurrah! But stop the noise just a minute while we think of what a certain important document means. I frequently think of the intents and motives of the framers of that immortal State paper. The Declaration of Independence is a fine statement of the rights of all men to be free and equal. “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal.” Wonder whether the writers of those words had in mind ALL men. Perhaps they did. Consider whether those who now celebrate the independence of America have in mind ALL men. Maybe so and maybe not. Some of those who touch off the fireworks and shout, Hurrah!” at the same time would torpedo the truth that ALL men ARE entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The keepers and preservers of American independence have, in spirit, and purpose, changed the word, “ALL” to “SOME.” But- yes, ALL men fought to preserve American Independence- to win it for keeps. Yes, ALL men-white and black-still fight to defend American independence and freedom. Are ALL men treated as if they ARE entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness? Maybe so and maybe not. Bang! Stop celebrating long enough to think about that."

W.H. Shackleford

Baltimore Afro-American

1939-7-1