As the Supreme Court rolls back reproductive rights with the reversal of Roe v. Wade, the Fourth of July meets us in a moment of resilience and reflection.
Independence Day is meant to underscore our personal freedoms and serves as an opportunity to learn and reflect beyond annual cookouts and booming fireworks.
Today we hold space for our country’s history and acknowledge not only the liberties we have, but the ones we have lost or are at risk of losing, too.
When the Declaration of Independence stated “all men are created equal” and entrusted with the rights of “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” this vision did not initially apply to Black or indigenous people nor women or those without property.
As we acknowledge Independence Day, we are simultaneously confronted with troubling realities about voter suppression, attacks on democracy, LGBTQ+ equality and reproductive rights, and Congressional hearings in response to an attempted coup on January 6th, 2021.
In these moments of stress and uncertainty, it is easy to slip into a spiral of doubt and hopelessness. However, it is essential we stand together now as a community to reinforce our shared values and lead with empathy and hope over despair and fear.
Independence Day is a reminder of the work leaders before us have done to achieve true freedom for all, as well as the work still in front of us. It’s a reminder of how the pursuit for happiness is a constant struggle only accomplished through consistent persistence and endless solidarity alongside those yearning to be free.
We invite you this holiday weekend to recognize Independence Day across Central Florida in ways that are meaningful to you.
Community Events & Actions
Red, Hot, & Boom Protest
Date: Sunday, July 3rd, 2022 at 4 PM to 11 PM
Location: Cranes Roost Park, Cranes Roost Blvd, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
https://fb.me/e/2Lmi48o53 or http://altamonte.org/925/Event-Details
Annual Fourth of July Celebration
Date: Monday, July 4th, 2022 at 9 AM to 12 PM
Location: Martin Luther King, Jr. Park – Community Playground, 255 South Denning Drive, Winter Park, 32789
https://events.cityofwinterpark.org/month;event=4th-of-july-celebration;instance=20220704090000
Independence Day Protest for Abortion Rights
Date: Monday, July 4th, 2022 at 10 AM to 1 PM
Location: Orange County Courthouse, 425 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
https://fb.me/e/1zPC2d25z
Women’s Rights Protest
Date: Monday, July 4th, 2022 at 11 AM to 5 PM
Location: Corner of International Drive and Beach Street, Daytona Beach, FL
https://fb.me/e/23bnJ14RO
Fireworks at the Fountain
Date: Monday, July 4th, 2022 at 4 PM to 10 PM
Location: Lake Eola Park, 512 East Washington Street, Orlando, FL 32801
https://www.orlando.gov/Events/Fireworks-at-the-Fountain-2022
Fourth of July Celebration at Avalon Park
Date: Monday, July 4th, 2022 at 5 PM to 9 PM
Location: Downtown Avalon Park, 3680 Avalon Park East Blvd, Orlando, 32828
https://www.avalonparkorlando.com/play/event-calendar/#
We Won’t Go Back. Freedom for All of Us Protest
Date: Monday, July 4th, 2022 at 1 PM to 4 PM
Location: Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore Justice Center (Viera Courthouse)
https://fb.me/e/1jqL5BzfU