Alonzo Braggs
July 4, 2010
We live in a very privileged country. Perhaps this is because we strive so much to be “all inclusive and non offensive”. However, if we are really honest about the matter, we exclude and offend so many that it is really ridiculous. This weekend, across our nation, untold thousands will light fire crackers and have cook outs, folks will travel and enjoy reunions. How many will actually realize the true meaning of this day. Ceremonially there will be some focuses. I wonder how many of them will be beyond the agenda of duty and detail.
So what does it mean to be in the land of the free and the home of the brave? What benefit do we really exercise as Americans? A people liberated from the control of a European entity? Have all of our efforts to have freedom from - somehow incarcerated those who fly the red, white and blue? Just how free do you feel today? Economically, are we a free country? Maybe China could best answer that question for us. Industrially, are we free yet? Well let us ask the oil producing countries and the foreign car makers, or even the third world countries with sweat tanks. What makes us free? Was it our weapons of mass destruction and nuclear capability? Should we feel that this is the answer, then why can’t we rest when others also desire to have freedom based upon this “extreme power”. Are we free because of our signed documents that vow; what we will not do, and rights afforded to all? Well, I am still left with major concern, because I wonder, where have we really been faithful or does our documents allow for those violation provisions, because of who we are?
Well, tomorrow will be here soon and freedom, will no longer the cause for our pause, nor the focus of our findings. Tomorrow, the poor who are legal citizens, will still seek to be fed nutritionally, clothed adequately, housed appropriately, educated equally, cared for medically, protected legally, defended judicially, and served rightly. In any area of the aforementioned, should failure exist, we will cease to be a truly free nation! Our liberty is not in our weaponry, nor the wit of our charm and disposition to legislate. It is in our ability to rise beyond our differences, see the needs of our neighbors, and embrace the differences that strengthen us as a people while helping all to rise above their individual lacks and have nots.
The Reverend Alonzo Braggs is the Senior Pastor at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Stantonsburg, NC. He is also the President of the Wilson Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Alonzo proudly serve in the United States Army for over twenty years and honorably retired.
The Reverend Alonzo Braggs, President
252-289-5978 local cell number
The Wilson Branch NAACP #5470
Post Office Box 4714 Wilson, North Carolina 27893-4714
6952 Speight School Road, Wilson, North Carolina 27893
252-238-2886 Office/252-238-3019 Fax/910-991-5105 Mobile
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First Thursday of each month, 7:00 PM
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Tuesday before the first Thursday of each month, 7:00 PM
Little Bobbies - 804 East Nash Street Wilson, North Carolina
Monthly Youth Meeting
3rd Tuesday of each month, 7:00 PM
Calvary Presbyterian Church
209 East Pender Street Wilson, North Carolina
Annual Adult Membership $30.00
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Life Membership $750.00
* Photo Courtesy - Wilson Times
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