Caribbean-American Democratic legislators and immigration advocates on Saturday joined nationals in the United States in celebrating the 250th Anniversary of American Independence. ‘Over the last quarter-millennium and day-by-day, our nation has ceaselessly evolved on its persistent march towards a more perfect union,’ Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, who represents the 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn, New York, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).
‘Indeed, much in America has changed since those courageous revolutionaries, whom we rely upon for guidance and leadership even centuries past their lifetimes, first rejected their tyrant’s commands and embraced the majority’s will,’ added the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. ‘But often for better, and too often for worse, much has remained the same since that distant time.
‘The sins of colonialism, the wretchedness of racism, and obstinate inequities not only survive, but persist in excluding too many from the experience of the American Dream that, today, belongs to far too few among us,’ Clarke continued. ‘Painful steps backward have followed difficult, hard-battled steps forward – but our destination has always remained the same: a nation by, for, and of the people, where no child is unfed, no family is unhoused, and no person is unequal.
‘Ours is a land of limitless possibilities and untold opportunities, of which there is no parallel in the world,’ she said. ‘Truly, we are all blessed to be Americans – because America blesses each and every one of us with the promise to be whoever we want to be.’
The congresswoman said that ‘through centuries of protest, an unwavering belief in the rule of law, and unadulterated patriotism for our nation, we the people have prevailed.
‘And so, I pray the next 250 years in this special experiment in self-governance and representative democracy only see the expansion and growth of our capacity to enjoy all that is inherent in the diversity of our people,’ she said. ‘I pray they allow us to continue to respect and freely exercise the power of our right to vote, and celebrate the inclusive innovation and talent of our people.
‘Together, may we push on, and boldly produce a nation that never rests in its transformational struggle towards its foundational destiny – one that continues to build upon our history as a nation of freedom fighters, and continues to make us proud, inspire our best selves, and strive for the promise of its purpose,’ Clarke added.
New York Assembly Member Brian Cunningham, the son of Jamaican immigrants, also told CMC: ‘As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s Independence Day, we celebrate the enduring ideals of freedom, opportunity, and democracy that continue to shape our country.
‘We also recognize that each generation has a responsibility to strengthen those ideals and ensure they are realized for everyone,’ said the representative for the 43rd Assembly District in Brooklyn. ‘Here in Brooklyn, our neighborhoods reflect the very best of America: people from every background coming together, supporting one another, and building stronger communities.
‘That spirit of resilience and unity reminds us that our diversity is our greatest strength,’ added Cunningham, stating that he remains ‘committed to fighting for safer neighborhoods, stronger schools, affordable housing, and opportunities that help every family thrive.
‘Together, we can continue building a future that honors the promise of our nation’s founding while creating a more just and equitable tomorrow,’ he continued.
New York State Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, noted that, on July 4, 1776, the ’13 colonies courageously declared in writing their freedom from British rule, laying the foundation for the United States of America.’
Bichotte Hermelyn, who represents the 43rd Assembly District in Brooklyn and chairs the Brooklyn Democratic Party, said that although the Declaration of Independence document was officially adopted on July 4, 1776, it was formally signed nearly a month later, on August 2, 1776.
‘This historic act reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to the unalienable rights and freedoms that remain central to our democracy,’ she said. ‘We honor the enduring principles of independence, liberty, and democracy.
‘As we gather with family and friends to celebrate this historic day, we do so at a time when our country faces deep reflection and reckoning,’ Bichotte Hermelyn added. ‘The ideals set forth in the Declaration of Independence freedom, equality, and justice remain powerful, but unfinished promises for many Americans.
‘In today’s climate, where division, injustice, and uncertainty often dominate the national conversation, it’s more important than ever to reaffirm our collective responsibility to protect and strengthen our democracy,’ she continued. ‘The freedoms we enjoy were hard-won by those who came before us and are protected each day by those who continue to serve and sacrifice in defense of our liberties.
‘As we commemorate Independence Day, let us not only look back with pride, but also look forward with purpose,’ Bichotte Hermelyn said. ‘May this Fourth of July inspire us to come together, rise above what divides us, and commit ourselves to building a more just, inclusive, and united nation for all.’