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Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, as we gather to celebrate the Fourth of July, a day synonymous with freedom and independence, I stand before you to share a powerful message: this day is our day too. It is a celebration of freedom for all Americans, including us, the descendants of those who fought for this nation's ideals even when their own freedom was not yet fully realized.
Our history is rich with the contributions and sacrifices of Black men who believed in the promise of America. From Crispus Attucks, whose blood was the first to be shed in the Revolutionary War, to the brave soldiers who fought in every major conflict this nation has faced, Black men have stood on the front lines, defending the very ideals we celebrate today.
One of the most compelling examples of this commitment comes from my great-great-great-great-grandfather, Attorney George Washington Jones Sr. Born in 1859, just a few years before the end of slavery, he rose to become one of the most respected attorneys in Kansas, serving clients of all races with unwavering dedication. In a memorable closing statement during a murder trial, where his client, a Black man, was acquitted on grounds of self-defense, he said:
“As an attorney at law, and practicing before Judge Smith in this district ever since he has been on the bench, I have drawn my fees largely from white clients, and I am imbued with the idea that when a man stands before the bar of justice, it makes no difference what may be the color of his skin, whether he be African, Indian, Mongolian, or Anglo-Saxon. So self-respecting jury will consider these things in rendering a verdict, and I am persuaded that neither will you gentlemen. ..In the streets of Boston, in the Revolutionary War, the first blood shed was that of an African. At Petersburg and Richmond, with Sherman to the sea, with Grant at Appomattox, in Indian wars upon the plains, and Santiago in Cuba, the black men had fought for this country and shed his blood in its defense. He is an American citizen, loyal and patriotic, and asks only fair play and simple justice before the law.”
These words resonate deeply today as we reflect on the journey of our ancestors. Fresh out of slavery, they believed in this country's ideals and promises. They fought and died for the hope that their descendants—us—would one day enjoy the full measure of freedom and equality that the Fourth of July represents.
It is crucial for us to remember that the struggle for freedom did not end with the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Our ancestors continued that fight, believing that the ideals of liberty, justice, and equality were worth the ultimate sacrifice. They laid down their lives, not just for themselves but for future generations, so that we might live in a country that honors these principles for all its citizens.
Today, as we celebrate Independence Day, let us honor their legacy by embracing this holiday as our own. Let us recognize that the Fourth of July is not just a celebration of American independence but a celebration of the ongoing journey towards true freedom and equality for all. Our ancestors believed in this nation's promise, and it is up to us to continue that belief, to strive for a country where liberty and justice are truly for all.
So, as we watch the fireworks light up the sky, let us remember the sacrifices made by those who came before us. Let us stand proud, knowing that their fight was not in vain and that their spirit lives on in us. The Fourth of July is a day for all Americans, and we, too, are a vital part of this great nation's story.
Thank you, and Happy Independence Day!
Attorney Dennis Spurling |