Are you patriotic? What does being patriotic mean to you?

I am an American but I’m a Black American. And yes, there’s a difference-whether we like to admit it or say the quiet part out loud. In that description or statement is packed legacy, love, soul, history, and culture. At that same point, it’s also packed in pain, fear, constant criticism and oppression. So many people say they want to hear less of the last part or any difference in what an American is. I wish that were true and I could relax and just say I am American but when I am perceived visually before I am experienced, that is all I know.

I celebrated the fourth of July just like any American when I was younger. I didn’t really stop and think about it until I hit my late 20s/early 30s. After the reality of how society views me came into knowledge for myself, I chose to celebrate Juneteenth as my Independence Day. That evolved to include Emancipation Day (DC’s version of Juneteenth) and I hadn’t looked back for many years. In 2026, I have had an epiphany of sorts that I can once again celebrate all three holidays and make it what I want for ME. That means having the Afro American colors of black, red, green, and gold as well as the red, white and blue. That means finding a shirt that has all that on it or getting the American flag in the Afro American colors. It’s remembering my ancestors and what they bled, fought, and survived for during July 1776 or April 1862 or June 1865.

I am my ancestors’ answered prayers and I choose to allow that to be what my compass for patriotism mean to me.🖤❤️💚💛❤️🤍💙