Syosset, NY – July 4, 2023 – Laura Harding, President of ERASE Racism, issued today the following reflection on the Fourth of July:

As Americans celebrate the Fourth of July, the anniversary of our nation's independence, we are once again reminded by recent events of the contrast between our nation's aspirations and the practical politics that so often get in the way. This year, a gray pall hangs over the celebrations, and it is not from the smoke of Canadian wildfires.

Last week, the US Supreme Court issued two landmark decisions that undermine the prospect of equal rights to which our nation aspires. The Court struck down affirmative action in admissions to America's colleges and universities, and it weakened protections for the LGBTQ+ community. This all came in the same week in which we also celebrated (on July 2nd) the 59th anniversary of President Lyndon Johnson's signing of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

Both Supreme Court decisions significantly impact Black Americans, and the second impacts all who identify as LGBTQ+. Both have made it easier to further normalize discriminatory behavior and reinforce inequity and inequality.

On this Fourth of July, I hope that America will recommit itself to the ideals enumerated in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. I hope that we will redouble our efforts to make those ideals a reality and not look aside at growing political tropes meant to promote racist and discriminatory policies that are distinctly Anti-American.

For all freedom fighters who may be fatigued and discouraged, I urge that we rest briefly and then resume our efforts to achieve the aspirations of equity and equality that we celebrate on the Fourth of July. At our recent Annual Benefit, renowned civil rights attorney and ERASE Racism honoree Benjamin Crump recalled Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Letter from Birmingham Jail." In that letter, Dr. King wrote: "We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. Frankly, I have never yet engaged in a direct-action movement that was 'well timed' according to the timetable of those who have not suffered unduly from the disease of segregation."

The time for renewed action in support of equality is now. Let the coming months be ones of reinforcing our nation's aspirations for equal rights and proving that those aspirations, however delayed in realization, continue to be "well timed."

To speak with Laura Harding, contact Henry Miller – hmiller@highimpactpartnering.com or 917-921-8034.