MAYOR RAS J. BARAKA STATEMENT ON THE 250th ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICA’S INDEPENDENCE

“As Newark joins America in celebrating our nation’s 250th birthday, I believe the Declaration of Independence deserves a slow, contemplative read today.

“In light of discouraging decisions coming from our nation’s capital, it reads almost like scripture—affirming the inherent, inalienable rights of every human being while documenting the abuses that made independence necessary.

“Yet against the backdrop of today’s fascist movements, it also serves as a mirror, reminding us that America’s yearning for freedom has too often coexisted with a willingness to deny that freedom to others.

“The Declaration’s 56 signers were all white men. Some were immigrants, and most were first- or second-generation colonists. One of them, Robert Treat Paine, was the great-grandson of Newark founder Robert Treat.

“Robert Treat’s family came to America seeking religious freedom, only to discover that even among fellow colonists, freedom had limits. So, he left Connecticut and founded ‘New Ark’ along the Passaic River, on land purchased from the Lenni-Lenape people.

“It turns out intolerance was a silent stowaway on ships sailing for freedom.

“That same longing for liberty eventually brought descendants of enslaved Africans to Newark, as well as impoverished and oppressed immigrants from every corner of the world. Through struggle and perseverance, they built the city we celebrate today—a city strengthened by its diversity, united by common purpose, and alive this summer with the excitement of hosting World Cup celebrations.

“Our history reminds us that democracy is not sustained by celebrating freedom alone. It survives only when we are willing to extend that freedom to one another.”