Navigating Independence Day as a Black American

By Leonica Riley Erwin, LMSW
The Social Work Concierge, LLC

Every July 4th, the U.S. celebrates freedom with fireworks, flag-waving, and barbecues. But for many Black Americans, the holiday brings a wave of conflicting emotions. While it marks the country’s liberation from colonial rule, it also reminds us that not all were free in 1776—or even now. The emotional toll of celebrating a freedom that wasn’t meant for us—paired with ongoing systemic racism—can weigh heavily on Black Americans’ mental health. This contradiction impacts more than just history books—it affects the mental and emotional well-being of millions of Black Americans every year.

🧠 Historical Invalidation and Collective Trauma

The phrase “all men are created equal” did not apply to enslaved Black people in 1776. The pain of this historical exclusion doesn’t fade with time—it transforms into intergenerational trauma that can resurface during national holidays. Feelings of invisibility, unresolved grief, and emotional disconnection from American pride are common. Independence Day can trigger:

Anger and sadness over ancestral erasure
Discomfort in predominantly white spaces
Grief over the unfulfilled promise of liberty

💣 Fireworks and PTSD: More Than Just a Noise

Fireworks may symbolize celebration for some—but for others, especially those impacted by community violence, gunfire, or police brutality, the loud sounds can reactive memories past trauma. For Black Americans living with PTSD or chronic anxiety, fireworks can lead to:

Panic attacks
Sleep disturbances
Dissociation and hypervigilance

Photo by Connor McManus on Pexels.com

⚖️ Dual Identity Fatigue

There’s often internal conflict around participating in July 4th celebrations. Many Black Americans ask themselves:

“How do I celebrate freedom in a nation that continues to marginalize me?”

This mental and emotional tug-of-war can result in dual identity fatigue—the weariness of constantly balancing pride in your Blackness with the pressure to participate in patriotic traditions.

🌍 Cultural Isolation and Disconnection

Choosing not to participate in July 4th events can lead to social isolation. Family or friends may not understand, and cultural disconnection from mainstream America can feel lonely. This sense of isolation may increase:

Depression and withdrawal
Feelings of being misunderstood
Emotional exhaustion from code-switching

🔁 Racial Trauma Re-Activated

Patriotic holidays often bring out tone-deaf comments, racially charged social media posts, and erasure of Black voices in national narratives. These experiences can re-activate racial trauma by reminding Black Americans that equality still isn’t guaranteed in 2025. Independence Day may resurface:

Frustration with performative allyship
Grief over state-sanctioned violence
Memories of systemic and interpersonal racism

🖤 Protect Your Mental Health on the 4th

If July 4th feels heavy, that’s valid. You’re not alone—and you’re not unpatriotic. You’re human. Here are ways to prioritize your peace:

✨ Celebrate on Your Terms

You don’t have to attend fireworks shows or barbecues. Create your own rituals of joy, liberation, or rest.

✨ Set Emotional Boundaries

It’s okay to say, “This holiday is complicated for me.” You don’t have to explain your discomfort to anyone who doesn’t understand it.

✨ Ground Your Nervous System

Try deep breathing, journaling, herbal teas, or grounding exercises if fireworks or loud events overwhelm you.

✨ Reflect on Your Freedom

Honor cultural events that are important to you. Reflect on personal growth. Celebrate your ancestors’ resilience. Remember: your liberation is an act of resistance.

Evolve or Repeat: Healing Is Revolutionary

At The Social Work Concierge, LLC, we provide a space for healing from the racial, generational, and systemic wounds that often surface during national holidays and other times during your life. We specialize in therapy for oppressed populations, adolescents, and families navigating identity stress, racial trauma, and life transitions.

Your discomfort is not weakness—it’s wisdom. Let us walk with you through it.

📍 The Social Work Concierge, LLC
✨ Luxury Mental Health Services, Redefined
🌐 www.socialworkconcierge.com
📧 Email: leonica@socialworkconcierge.com
📞 Call/Text: (616) 345-0616
📍 Serving BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and faith-based communities across Michigan
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🖤 Evolve or Repeat. Your healing is sacred.