The Fourth of July is a holiday for some but it’s just another day of protests for the group Last Chance for Change.

What You Need To Know

  • For some, July 4 is Independence Day, for protestors, it's another day of protesting.
  • Protestors say they don't consider it Independence Day because not everyone is free.
  • They say they will continue to organize and fight until freedom and liberation is a reality for everyone.
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“I don’t consider it ‘Independence Day’ because that’s not when Black people, Black enslaved people were liberated,” said Zahabu Gentille Rukera, treasurer of Last Chance for Change.

Protesters say it was especially important they came out when others are celebrating liberation, saying the country has a ways to go before freedom is a reality.

“Celebrating the flag [as] Independence Day, that’s not my flag, it’s not our flag, we were slaves under that flag, we’re still not free under that flag,” said protester, Mitchell Robert Cabrera LaFlore.

Some protesters say it’s important to acknowledge the nation’s birthday and freedom as a whole.

“I think it’s still pretty important to distinguish the independence we have gained as a country rather than a subdivision of people within our country,” said protester Michele Lindor.

Lindor says as we acknowledge the country’s birthday, it’s equally important to recognize the subdivision of people still fighting for what they say are basic human rights. For now, the group says they’re hopeful for a future of liberty and justice for all.

“We’ll just look forward to the future and fighting for what we believe is right,” said Lindor.

“Stopping just is out of the question,” said Rukera.

Members of the group say even after the 40 days, they’ll continue to do the work, no longer marching but still fighting.