Best Foot Forward ’s Post

55 Stories, One Nation: Celebrating July 4th Nearly 250 years ago in Philadelphia, a fledgling America boldly declared independence from Britain to forge what the United States Constitution later deemed "a more perfect Union." Today, we understand that America's story isn't a single narrative but a tapestry woven from diverse histories. It encompasses the struggles and triumphs of countless individuals and communities who have shaped the nation's identity. This Fourth of July, delve into stories from every single state, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, American Samoa, US Virgin Islands, and Guam. By sharing these stories, we honor our civic duty to embrace the full spectrum of American history and preserve the places integral to our collective identity. https://ow.ly/A78350StBSb

Juneteenth recognizes the freedom of enslaved people of African descent in Texas. It occurred nearly two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation for the freedom news to travel to Galveston, TX. The Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, TX, on June 19, 1865. As of June 17, 2021, Congress approved a new bill recognizing Juneteenth as a national holiday. Interestingly, culinary traditions play a significant role in Juneteenth celebrations. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4c0DXS4

Black history is Alberta history, and Canadian history. #DYK - The Last Best West | Historica Canada. “At the turn of the century, many Black families in Oklahoma wanted to escape the state’s racial violence and discrimination for a new start in Canada’s ‘Last Best West.’ The Canadian government, however, didn’t want them to settle in those vast, fertile western provinces. To stem the tide of Black immigration, the government began a secret campaign of disinformation. Uncovering this deception from 1911 can help us think more critically about the media we consume today.” #BHM #BHM2024

Black History Month- “Revolution of 1821, Hellenic “Cotton Triangle” Merchants, and the American Civil War” Panel Discussion.- February is Black History Month. As we approach the anniversary of the Hellenic/ Greek Revolution anniversary it is important to understand not only how the Greek Revolution historically affected Black History through the American Abolitionist movement and the linkages “across the pond” previously posted but also as well as during the American Civil War through the Greek Cotton Merchants who created alternate international sources of cotton. I moderated this unique panel discussion. The distinguished panel included Clemson University Professor Orville Vernon Burton the Judge Matthew J. Perry Distinguished Chair of History and the Director of the Clemson CyberInstitute; Author/ Writer /Historian and EMBCA Director Alexander Billinis; and Lawyer/Adjunct Instructor and Graduate Candidate in History at Clemson University Megan Gaston. The Greek merchants many with aristocratic family ties to Chios in Greece were the most influential Greek American force within America from the 1850’s to the 1890’s but their influence is rarely discussed. In this panel discussion we discussed how the Greek Revolution and the Chios Massacre of 1822 caused various Hellenic mercantile families to expand their commercial firms into various areas (Constantinople,Smyrna, Teheran, Odessa, Vienna, Marseilles, Trieste, Alexandria, Liverpool, St. Petersburg) but also in America (New York, New Orleans, Charleston, etc.) and how their operations particularly dealing with the cotton trade before , and during the American Civil War helped to effect the Civil War with the shifting of cotton supplies to Egypt, India, etc. making Southern “King Cotton” no longer King and helping insure English neutrality in the war. The New York Times in the 19th Century described the activities of these Greek cotton factors and Merchants in the U.S. in a feature article and the rapid growth in the U.S. of the great Hellenic commercial firms of the Ralli Brothers, Rodocanachi, Argenti, Baltatzi, Spartalli, and Schillizi as “one of the most brilliant episodes of the commercial annals of the 19th Century” and concluded that the Hellenic merchants were “as superior a class of business men as the commercial world has ever seen…they (were) not surpassed by any race of merchants of (the) day.” #blackhistorymonth #civilwar

Happy 4th of July! Today, we honor the spirit of independence and the power of liberty. As we celebrate, let’s remember that 'Liberty is the breath of life to nations.' Enjoy the fireworks and festivities, and cherish the freedom we hold dear. Happy Independence Day from the California Association of Black Real Estate Professionals! 🇺🇸✨ #IndependenceDay #Freedom #CABREP #BlackRealEstateProfessionals #supportingblackleaders #blackleadership #empoweringblackleaders #blackbusinessleaders #blackrealestate #blackhomeownership #blackleadershipadvancement #Allyship

🇺🇸 America was founded on timeless principles that remain as relevant today as they were over two centuries ago. The vision of our founding fathers, guided by the Constitution, established the framework for a nation built on freedom, individual rights, and limited government. In America, the government's primary role is clear: to protect and defend the rights of its citizens. This fundamental principle ensures that every American enjoys the liberty to pursue their dreams and live their lives as they see fit. While the world may change, America's principles endure. The values of liberty, order and equal opportunity are the bedrock of our nation, shaping our laws and guiding our actions. Today, as we navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing world, let us remember the timeless wisdom of our founders. Let us uphold the principles that have made America great and continue to inspire generations of Americans. 🗽 #America #FoundingPrinciples #Freedom #Liberty #LimitedGovernment 🇺🇸

White Australia has a black history. That slogan is decades old, and its meaning hints at white Australia’s long-standing reluctance to meaningfully acknowledge Aboriginal people and perspectives in the telling of our national history. The history of Australia is long, complex, and in many ways challenging to learn. Australia is now home to millions of people and has thriving cities, precious land, rich culture, and a history of First Nation people that needs to be recognised and told. You can be an Ally and continue to learn the history of First Nation people, so you can tell Australia’s true history! #ReconciliationAustralia #PracticalReconciliation #EvolveCommunities #AllyTraining

White Australia has a black history. That slogan is decades old, and its meaning hints at white Australia’s long-standing reluctance to meaningfully acknowledge Aboriginal people and perspectives in the telling of our national history. The history of Australia is long, complex, and in many ways challenging to learn. Australia is now home to millions of people and has thriving cities, precious land, rich culture, and a history of First Nation people that needs to be recognised and told. You can be an Ally and continue to learn the history of First Nation people, so you can tell Australia’s true history! #ReconciliationAustralia #PracticalReconciliation #EvolveCommunities #AllyTraining

🎇 Happy Independence Day! As we gather to celebrate our nation’s founding, let’s reflect on a core question: What makes America truly great? 🤔💡 #July4th #IndependenceDay On this day in 1776, our founders embarked on a bold experiment in democracy by declaring all people are created equal. This principle has guided us as a nation through more than two centuries of change. It’s a reminder that our strength comes from our commitment to freedom—for everyone. 🗽📜 Consider the early patriots, who dared to imagine a free America where every voice could be heard. From the abolitionists to the suffragettes to civil rights heroes, every generation has champions who have pushed us closer to fulfilling that original promise of liberty and justice for all. Isn’t that the heart of patriotism? ❤️ This July 4th, let’s honor our nation not just by looking back, but by looking forward. Let’s commit to ensuring that freedom and justice are not just ideals, but realities for all. As we enjoy today’s celebrations, let’s also ask ourselves: How can we contribute to making America live up to its highest ideals? 🌟🚀 #4thOfJuly #AmericanPride #FreedomAndJustice