With the Fourth of July typically conjuring up images of barbecues and fireworks, this year’s celebration was distinctly dampened for many due to the prevailing political atmosphere. In particular, people expressed discontent with the narrowly approved budget put forth by the Trump administration, that significantly reduces funding for key food and health assistance programs, such as Medicaid.
Many, like the former Mayor of Charlotte, Harvey Gantt, are feeling the brunt of these unfortunate political developments. He uses the holiday as a reminder of the myriad of challenges faced by the nation, particularly for African Americans, throughout its history. He concedes we remain far from a perfect union, but believes America persists as one of the leading nations globally.
Gantt acknowledges that the nation has been divided due to the current political environment, with the fiercely contested elections often resulting in setbacks rather than progress. However, he remains determined to celebrate the Fourth of July, emphasizing that ‘we’, a reference to the people of color, continue to push on despite numerous obstacles.
Gantt observed that America’s journey has seen periods of advancement and regression, citing the Civil Rights Movement and the Reagan Revolution as significant examples. Yet, he expressed frustration at the current administration’s attempts to pull back on the progress achieved during previous eras, suggesting it could set them back yet again.
Several of the policies rescinded by the Trump administration were credited to the Biden administration, like clean energy initiatives and aid programs for the less fortunate. However, instead of viewing these changes in a positive light, Gantt suggests that Biden’s progressive path has been derailed, focusing on the less fortunate has been relegated to the backburner.
SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, depended upon by 42 million individuals for sustenance, endured severe cuts under Trump’s recently passed budget. Gantt was vocal in his disapproval of these reductions. His thoughts echoed the sentiment of many who view such cuts as an instance of moral negligence and a blatant disregard for those dependent on such aid.
Regrettably, North Carolina alone has approximately 1.4 million citizens reliant on SNAP. The cuts to this program coincide with a tax cut favoring the nation’s wealthiest citizens, painting a stark contrast of the administration’s priorities. Quite frankly, this decision reflects a mentality that strives to protect the rich at the expense of the poor.
Medicaid, too, has been severely affected by budget cuts, with grave implications not only for individuals, but also for rural hospitals. These healthcare facilities, which primarily serve the impoverished and underserved, could potentially close due to slashed funding, leaving countless individuals without access to vital medical care.
Apart from crucial aid programs undergoing drastic cuts, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs have also faced the axe under the Trump administration. This move has understandably caused an uproar. Gantt regards the political right’s dismissal of these programs as not only detrimental to ethnic minorities, but also to the country as a whole.
The next elections, according to Gantt, offer an opportunity to rectify some of the wrongs inflicted on the nation. He hopes to see some policy reversals that will restore the balance and ensure a fairer society, doing justice to people of all colors, and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Gantt, however, acknowledges the continued struggle for voting rights, quoting the late Congressman John Lewis, who expressed disbelief at the persistent fight for suffrage half a century on. This struggle is very real in North Carolina, where voter ID laws and other legal amendments seek to suppress the African American vote and the votes of people of color.
Observing the current state of affairs, Gantt expressed worry that there are individuals who fear the growing power and influence of people of color, attributing this anxiety as the primary reason for Trump’s rise to prominence. He criticizes those in Congress and the Supreme Court for failing to do more to curtail this fear.
He did however put forth a point of action, emphasizing the importance of voting in making a difference. Evoking spirit of change that previous generations embodied, he sees an imperative for the younger generation to step up, exercise their right to vote, and assume positions of leadership in order to effect much-needed change.
He concluded with a poignant reflection on the significance of national anthems, sharing his personal custom of singing both the American and Black National Anthems during the Fourth of July. This practice underscores the duality of being an African American; honoring the troubled history while asserting the rightful presence in the nation and the fight for equal rights.
In the face of mounting challenges, Gantt remains optimistic about the future, championing the belief that America’s greatness can be fully realized when every citizen can give their best without fear. In this regard, he expressed disapproval of the prevailing apprehension that he perceives has resulted in the creation of a cultish reverence of the current president and his purportedly divisive agenda.
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