LYNN — A different perspective on Independence Day was on display at Wyoma Square Tuesday.
Around 15 people heard a reading of Frederick Douglass’s speech “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” by Jonathan Okeny, who said the speech made him reflect on the progress there has been in the United States.
“There’s still a long way to go,” Okeny, of Salem, said.
The event started on July 4, 2020 as Occupy Wyoma Square, which was organized by community activists Neil Whittredge, Letty Coleman, and Anthony Coleman in the wake of the murder of George Floyd. The event was held for a second time in 2021.
Barbara Okeny organized Tuesday’s event with Diverse People United, and said the protest was held to acknowledge the groups and communities in the country that are still in pursuit of liberation.
“A lot of times this day is recognized as a day where everyone is free, it doesn’t really acknowledge the different sorts of oppressions and marginalization that so many communities still experience,” Barbara Okeny said.
The event also featured speeches by Lynn Youth Street Outreach Advocacy co-founder Antonio Gutierrez and North Shore Community College Cultural Arts Professor Yusef Hayes, who each spoke about the importance of advocacy and action in the city’s community. The group then marched more than one mile through the streets from Manning Field to Wyoma Square.
City Councilor-at-Large Nicole McClain was among those who marched with the group. She said that although she thinks Independence Day is an important holiday worth celebrating, it is crucial to note that there is still progress to be made for many in the country.
McClain described the recent Supreme Court rulings concerning affirmative action and LGBTQ+ rights as the reason she felt the need to march in the protest. She noted that despite Independence Day’s celebration of freedom, she saw many freedoms being taken away. She said it’s important for people to be steadfast in their efforts for change and the protection of civil rights.
“Our civil rights are being infringed upon every single day,” McClain said. “Doing something like this is better than eating hot dogs and celebrating this holiday when we need to be protecting our freedom.”
Natasha Megie-Maddrey, who is running to represent Ward 4 in the City Council, said one of her main reasons for marching in the protest was to encourage people to use the ballot box as a voice for change.
“When people feel disenfranchised and feel like their vote doesn’t matter, it’s a problem. We need to make sure everyone is represented,” Megie-Maddrey said.
Megie-Maddrey also mentioned that recent Supreme Court rulings drove her to partake in the protest.
“Anytime we get anything in this country, we take one step forward and then get sent 10 steps back,” she said.
