JULY 8, 2026
BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA
WEEKLY DISPATCH
by Leslie Fields-Cruz
Last weekend, Americans across the globe celebrated the 250th anniversary of our nation’s declaration of independence from Britain. Those of us who’ve descended from enslaved people may have found ourselves reflecting on Frederick Douglass’ speech, “What to the Slave is the 4th of July?”
Though enslavement in the U.S. was outlawed more than a century ago, it is still hard for some of us to feel fully respected and included in the nation’s extraordinary story. Still, I hope you found safe and festive ways to observe the occasion. PBS and NPR certainly served up a variety of compelling stories for those who opted to watch and/or listen. If you missed those opportunities, just consult your local public media listings for links from which you can stream these stories.
Freedom to Imagine a Different World
On July 2, BPM released a documentary about an extraordinary Black artist. While some might consider This World is Not My Own an odd selection for Independence Day weekend, we see artist Nellie Mae Rowe’s story as one reflecting the ingenuity, defiance, faith, and joy that Black folks have exhibited ever since landing on the hostile shores of this place which many indigenous people called Turtle Island.
Rowe’s artistry evolves from a long tradition of Black folks who upcycle and reimagine items that others cast off as worthless. Her work — which includes chewing-gum sculptures, colorful bottle trees, handmade toys & dolls, self portraits, and more — reflects the joy, cruelty, spirit, and industry she found in both the restrictive world she inhabited and the free one she imagined.
At a time when too many are trying to dismiss or erase our contributions, July is a perfect month in which to celebrate Black art, Black music, Black foodways, Black fashion, Black literature, Black athleticism, Black scholarship, Black innovation, Black statesmanship, Black faith ways, Black resilience, Black love and everything else Black. America’s celebration of independence rings hollow without acknowledging the ways we’ve helped expand Americans’ access to and expressions of freedom. Douglass’ essay and Rowe’s work pair well with this nation’s 250-year celebration. And BPM exists to make sure their stories. and those of all of our people, echo whenever and wherever freedom rings.