Diane Tyree-Anglin

President

NAACP Family,

This week, as we acknowledge America’s 250th birthday, we are reminded that celebration and reflection must go hand in hand.

The Fourth of July invites us to honor the ideals of freedom, independence, and democracy. Yet, as Frederick Douglass so powerfully challenged in his 1852 address, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?”, we must also be honest about the gap between America’s promises and the lived experiences of Black people and other marginalized communities throughout our nation’s history.

Douglass did not reject the promise of America. He demanded that America live up to it.

That is the spirit we must carry forward today.

Here in Montclair, we saw that promise on display during our wonderful Fourth of July parade. Our community came together in joy, pride, and unity. We saw families, neighbors, organizations, cultures, generations, and traditions represented. The parade reminded us of what makes Montclair special: our diversity, our energy, and our continued commitment to building a community where everyone belongs.

But celebration alone is not enough. True patriotism requires us to protect democracy, speak truth, fight injustice, and make sure freedom is not just a word we say, but a reality we work toward every day.

As we mark this historic 250th birthday, let us celebrate what is beautiful about our country and our community while remaining committed to the unfinished work of justice, equity, and inclusion.

Montclair is at its best when we see one another, respect one another, and stand together. May we continue to be a community that does not simply celebrate freedom but helps expand it.

With purpose and hope,

Diane Tyree-Anglin