The 4^th of July has some controversy. As we wrestle with how to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday, let’s be open to our history. And the progress that we have made.  

Back in 1852 Frederick Douglass knew the Fourth of July could make one part of America sing while another part mourned. The day after the holiday, Douglass delivered an Independence Day address at Corinthian Hall in Rochester, New York, where he asked the famous question, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”  

Douglass did not ask that question as a man who hated America’s founding ideals. He honored the Founders as “statesmen, patriots and heroes…” But the orator refused to let the celebration erase the contradiction of his time.  

He continued the speech with, “This Fourth July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice – I must mourn.” And yet, even in 1852, Douglass did not end his speech in despair.  

The National Constitution Center notes that Douglass urged his audience to read the Constitution not as a pro-slavery document, but as a “GLORIOUS LIBERTY DOCUMENT.” Near the conclusion of the speech, Douglass said, “I do not despair of this country.” 

That is the posture I took into this Fourth of July: not despair, not denial, but also not shallow celebration that lacks insight.  

I’m exhausted from constant accusations of racism and injustice. Everyone can’t be guilty. We need some kind of balance.  

Nearly a century later, Colorado is still wrestling with what belongs inside a public celebration of freedom on the 4^th of July. Sometimes our debates get heated.  

In 2020, on Independence Day, Mani Nadjmi, a Denver resident, told Denverite, “I don’t believe it’s freedom for the entire country; it’s only for the select few. I think freedom in this country is a White privilege.” Amber Rose told Denverite, “I haven’t celebrated Fourth of July since I was a child and really understood that Fourth of July is a bogus holiday for a very select number of people.” 

So many hear remarks like those as anti-American. I hear something different. More complex.  

I hear the old Douglass question echoing through some modern Colorado citizens: Are the principles we celebrate being extended to all? That question is especially important now. 

History Colorado tells us that in 2026, the United States marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and Colorado marks the 150th anniversary of its entrance into the Union. History Colorado says that the America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission was established to guide the twin commemorations “in ways that enable all Coloradans to participate.” 

History Colorado also says their commission is committed to recognizing that “our shared history includes the experiences of all who have called Colorado home.” The same webpage says, “2026 will be an opportunity for us to come together as we celebrate Colorado by acknowledging our complete shared history.” 

A complete story does not mean teaching children to hate their country. It does not mean turning every celebration into a grievance session. We need to recognize and celebrate our amendments, growth and cultural change.  

We can honor the Declaration of Independence – and remember that enslaved people were excluded from its promise. We can celebrate Colorado’s beauty – and remember that this land was home to Indigenous peoples long before statehood. We can fly the flag – and still tell the truth about how the Klan once burned a flag on Pikes Peak.  

Afterward, the community came together to fight against the Klan. The Klan lost.  

Fragile patriotism needs history edited. Fragility in patriotism demands statues removed. A stronger patriotism can handle the whole record. 

We can enjoy gathering with friends and dare to understand why some Americans have heard or felt the holiday differently. We have different points of view and must deal with those differences.  

Frederick Douglass did not despair about America because he understood that the country’s founding ideals were powerful enough to change the country’s failures. And he was right. In Douglass’ own words, “I do not despair of this country.” 

And we should not despair now.  

On the Fourth of July, you celebrated. Or protested. Either way, God bless America.  

Rachel Stovall is a Colorado Springs event manager, entertainer and community advocate.