Beyond Fireworks: Igniting Sparks for a More Just America

July 4th celebrates American Independence Day, the day the United States officially announced its separation from the United Kingdom. But in different parts of the country, the 4th of July is remembered, celebrated, and hated equally. The sole cause of the variety of these feelings? The Preamble of the U.S. Constitution.

As years progress, we begin to view the promises of both the Preamble of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence differently. Certain lines begin to challenge us as we shift further from the truth promised in these documents, although many are split. Some will say that we have achieved our utopia, and others will say that we can’t be farther from it. 

The Preamble of the Declaration of Independence claims that “all men are created equal,” and yet history has shown a truth farther from it, due to the mistreatment of women through the ages as well as people of color in both voting, education rights, and general culture.

Another particular focus of failure is that the aim to create “a more perfect union” seems further and further from reality.  Racial inequality, economic disparity, and gender norms still restrict our country from achieving this dream union.  Justice, as promised in the Constitution, appears less and less plausible as well. Incidents of reported police brutality, unfair crime sentences, and false accusations seemingly run rampant.

But to cause a change, to cause a ripple can shift the outcome of an entire civilization. Like the choice to press the button or to not. Whether this is by voicing out thoughts on unjust rules or policies, or giving up time and volunteering to aid those in need, every individual can make their own impact.

My question is, as we lay a little over half way into the year, what choices can you make? What changes can you cause that will impact a generation? What will impact the future? You can start small, start by utilizing social media to raise awareness for climate action, developing school clubs to help students battle with cleft lip and palate (Operation Smile), or even word of mouth as you educate others on injustice.

As weeks pass, we hope to connect you, the reader, with stories from more activists and those who wish to make change. Bookmark this tab, create an account, and start brainstorming ways that you can make a change.

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Do you need help finding your voice, or have you already caused change that you wish to share? Email us at activatingactivists@gmail.com for a free one-on-one meeting.

Also, special thanks to our additional post contributors, Masoom Kurukumbi for her amazing graphic design on Instagram, and Caroline Tso for her thoughtful and detailed editing, making this blog post possible.