Independence Day
Independence Day
On this Independence Day, I'm making cookies like every day.
And I'm wondering what independence means in my life. My adopted city of Louisville has been going through a lot lately. The killing of Breonna Taylor in a police raid has made us all question our independence. When I left Uganda, my home country fell into a state of chaos, where violence ruled the day. Life was cheap and I've always been grateful that I came to America, where it was peaceful. My business is often sited as an example of a successful black owned enterprise. People here see me as emblematic of the hard working immigrant. That's a story many people, of all colors, can relate to.
It's taken me a long time to begin to understand what my African American brothers and sisters endure. In Uganda, we don't discriminate by color. Tribalism is the way we stay divided and oppressed. It turns out, there are many ways to be bigoted.
I will survive the pandemic. I will keep my business afloat. I will love my family and my community and I will remember this independence day.