Prominent journalist Joy Reid expressed last week that Juneteenth more accurately symbolizes American freedom than July 4th. Speaking with MS NOW analyst Alex Wagner on her YouTube show, Reid stated that none of her Black acquaintances celebrate Independence Day enthusiastically. She noted that while her White friends take pride in July 4th, Black Americans take the day off but do not engage with its celebrations.

Reid explained her view by referencing Frederick Douglass, asserting that the Fourth of July historically marks the liberation of slaveholders from British taxes while maintaining their slave empire. According to her, this reality creates a challenging duality for African Americans.

She compared this sentiment to the Indigenous perspective on Thanksgiving, saying that many do not feel positive about the holiday and choose not to celebrate. In the same vein, she claimed that Black Americans cannot wholly embrace July 4th, making Juneteenth more significant.

Reid emphasized that Juneteenth represents a step toward true democracy, signifying the end of slavery and enforced recognition of the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments, fulfilled in the 1960s.

Furthermore, Reid criticized President Abraham Lincoln, suggesting his willingness to tolerate slavery to preserve the union demonstrated racial bias. She highlighted his suggestion to return freed Black people to Africa.

Alex Wagner concurred with Reid’s stance on Juneteenth, suggesting it shapes a more appropriate vision of patriotism. Reid argued that former President Donald Trump embodies America’s historical racism, contrasting with Barack Obama’s representation of a striving nation.