While today is the 4th, I know I’m not alone in finding little to celebrate this, Independence Day.

Last Friday’s decision to gut nearly 50 years of legal precedent by overturning Roe v. Wade sent a shockwave through our communities — we know Black, brown, and working-class people will be most affected by this decision. We know that in a country in which the maternal mortality rate for Black women is higher than in all other wealthy nations, this is an intersectional issue.

I know many of you are worried about what comes next. What comes next for the LGBTQ+ community, for the disabled community, for communities of color, and so much more. Some have even suggested interracial marriage may be overturned by this ultra-conservative Supreme Court.

Here’s what I’m holding on to: hope that is not an emotion, but rather a commitment, a daily practice of accountability to come back together and keep working in our communities.

There may be dark days ahead, but when I think about the vibrancy and diversity of Brooklyn, I’m reminded that no matter what happens, we will overcome it together. We will continue fighting for bodily autonomy. We will keep fighting for access to health care and access to the ballot box and fighting poverty.

So, on this Fourth, I’m not celebrating the unkept promises of this nation, but rather finding joy in our community that always comes together to support one another. This Fourth of July, I remember that we do this until we are all free. But I want to ask, what does Independence Day mean to you? Respond to this email or message my team on social media to let me know. Thank you, and I hope your day is full of rest and the people in your life who bring you the most joy.
– Yvette

  July 4, Yvette Clarke