July 4th

I have struggled with my reflections on what it means to be an American today as we celebrate our nationally recognized independence day.

But I cannot celebrate when I know not everyone truly gained their freedom that day. That Black people were still enslaved, that women were considered property and that Native Americans were seen as savages worthy of extermination.

I think of James Baldwin’s quote, “I love America more than any other country in the world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.”

This resonates now more than ever. Just as I support my clients in speaking the truth about their families and their past in order to start healing and moving forward, I know we must as a nation speak the truth of our past, and of our present, because we are far from healed.

So, on this July 4^th, as a privileged person, I am opting to not take the day off. I choose instead to continue to serve my clients and try to leverage my privilege for good.