It is Dangerous to Read Declaration of Independence in Public Now, p.20
Dublin Core
Title
It is Dangerous to Read Declaration of Independence in Public Now, p.20
Description
"The editorial which appeared in the AFRO-AMERICAN entitled “What to us is the fourth of July?” as not only timely but one that should receive the serious consideration of every Negro. In logic and freedom of expression it ranks in the same category of Frederick Douglas’s Fourth of July address as handed down to us. Acting in compliance with the advice of the editorialist I read the Declaration of Independence and feel more convinced than ever that it has not only “been permitted to degenerate into a scrap of paper” but that it would be dangerous to read in public its second paragraph in particular since the ruling class does not believe in revolution and the possibilities are that a certain section of its agents may conclude that such language is Bolshevik in origin and written in the Kremlin in Moscow for propaganda purposes.
Slavery was Legal
The Declaration of Independence was born when chattel slavery was legal in the Colonies. Its anniversary should not be of any concern to thinking Negroes. Messrs. Washington and Jefferson were slave owners. The statement: All men were created equal (and they meant) politically could not because of the existence of slavery intended for Negroes. Paine’s attempt to have slavery denounced therein was voted down without any hesitation. It took four years of bloody civil war to outlaw chattel slavery. This was done not because of any love for the Negro but because so-called free labor was then, as now, more beneficial to the ruling class of the North.
Must Join the revolution
Because of the logic advanced above and for many other reasons unmentioned. The birthday of the Declaration of Independence should not be of significance to the Negro. Under Christianity, so-called Americanism and Capitalism the Negro can never hope for Liberty, Justice and Equality. Personally, I am of the opinion. Judging from the manner in which the ruling class and its henchmen treat revolutionary movements and revolutionary agitators, that the Negro will never be treated as an equal until he joins the revolutionary movements now gaining popularity here and struggle jointly for the overthrow of the present ruling class.
An American Heritage
After all have been said and written, revolution is an American heritage. Why taboo it today as a topic for discussion in press or platform ? Why consider it treason to advocate any belief in it among Negroes? Why expect the Negro in particular to love those who viciously persecute, prosecute and lynch him as a pastime? An unbiased study of the period prior to the birth of the Declaration of Independence and twenty years subsequent will convince anyone that a real American is a revolutionist in the main, who, when he deems it expedient may employ both rights- revolutionary or constitution- all to bring about any reforms he may require in government.
Freedom of Speech
He is an advocate of freedom of speech, freedom of press, and freedom of assemblage irrespective of creed, sex, color, or previous condition of servitude. He recognizes that the right of anyone in the ”republic” to picket, strike, or organize. He is a champion of equality in the courts. He is tolerant in religion,. Like Washington, he maintains that his government is secular. Hence it could not be Christian, Buddhist or Mohametan, and will grant to any person under the flag life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Day of National Agitation
Because of the facts that Negroes are denied these rights and are viciously oppressed I hold that it is unreasonable to expect us to participate conscientiously in the celebration of July the Fourth. We may, however, use this day in the future to our advantage. Why not organize and convert it into a fixed period of national agitation against the intrusions perpetrated against us? Why not challenge effectively the hypocrisy practiced here? Will the militant editor of the AFRO-AMERICAN lead. Now that he has expressed himself in language no one dare misconstrue?"
Slavery was Legal
The Declaration of Independence was born when chattel slavery was legal in the Colonies. Its anniversary should not be of any concern to thinking Negroes. Messrs. Washington and Jefferson were slave owners. The statement: All men were created equal (and they meant) politically could not because of the existence of slavery intended for Negroes. Paine’s attempt to have slavery denounced therein was voted down without any hesitation. It took four years of bloody civil war to outlaw chattel slavery. This was done not because of any love for the Negro but because so-called free labor was then, as now, more beneficial to the ruling class of the North.
Must Join the revolution
Because of the logic advanced above and for many other reasons unmentioned. The birthday of the Declaration of Independence should not be of significance to the Negro. Under Christianity, so-called Americanism and Capitalism the Negro can never hope for Liberty, Justice and Equality. Personally, I am of the opinion. Judging from the manner in which the ruling class and its henchmen treat revolutionary movements and revolutionary agitators, that the Negro will never be treated as an equal until he joins the revolutionary movements now gaining popularity here and struggle jointly for the overthrow of the present ruling class.
An American Heritage
After all have been said and written, revolution is an American heritage. Why taboo it today as a topic for discussion in press or platform ? Why consider it treason to advocate any belief in it among Negroes? Why expect the Negro in particular to love those who viciously persecute, prosecute and lynch him as a pastime? An unbiased study of the period prior to the birth of the Declaration of Independence and twenty years subsequent will convince anyone that a real American is a revolutionist in the main, who, when he deems it expedient may employ both rights- revolutionary or constitution- all to bring about any reforms he may require in government.
Freedom of Speech
He is an advocate of freedom of speech, freedom of press, and freedom of assemblage irrespective of creed, sex, color, or previous condition of servitude. He recognizes that the right of anyone in the ”republic” to picket, strike, or organize. He is a champion of equality in the courts. He is tolerant in religion,. Like Washington, he maintains that his government is secular. Hence it could not be Christian, Buddhist or Mohametan, and will grant to any person under the flag life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Day of National Agitation
Because of the facts that Negroes are denied these rights and are viciously oppressed I hold that it is unreasonable to expect us to participate conscientiously in the celebration of July the Fourth. We may, however, use this day in the future to our advantage. Why not organize and convert it into a fixed period of national agitation against the intrusions perpetrated against us? Why not challenge effectively the hypocrisy practiced here? Will the militant editor of the AFRO-AMERICAN lead. Now that he has expressed himself in language no one dare misconstrue?"
Creator
Rothschild Francis
Publisher
Baltimore Afro-American
Date
1931-8-1
Collection
Citation
Rothschild Francis , “It is Dangerous to Read Declaration of Independence in Public Now, p.20,” African American Fourth of July, accessed April 29, 2024, https://africanamerican4th.omeka.net/items/show/106.