America at 250

While the Declaration of Independence is not law, its impact is monumental as it serves as a vital foundational document that outlines the principles of natural rights – equality and liberty – that underpins the United States government and influenced the creation of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. 

In severing their ties with England’s King George 250 years ago, the signers of the Declaration of Independence wrote: 

We hold these truths to be self–evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.  

The statement for its time was remarkable — up to this point in history, most societies were either monarchies, aristocracies, or despotisms. In those societies, leaders and elite social classes, typically of a certain ethnicity or religion, had rights and privileges that other people did not have. These societies were characterized by stark inequality.

The Declaration of Independence rejected the caste system that existed among white men with ties to England, and was the first of many revolutions in the United States seeking to discard antiquated notions of caste.

Last month, Reverend Jesse Jackson passed away. When I think of the many people who have worked tirelessly to eradicate the evils of caste in our country, he is one of the first individuals that comes to mind for me.

In 1972, Rev. Jackson appeared on the children’s television show Sesame Street to share in a call and response format his “I Am Somebody” poem with dozens of children. The appearance is less than two minutes, but it delivers such a powerful message of love and seeing humanity in other people.

I may be poor, . . . but I am . . . Somebody 

I may be young, . . . but I am . . . Somebody 

I may be on welfare, . . . but I am . . . Somebody 

I may be small, . . . but I am . . . Somebody 

I may make a mistake . . . but I am . . . Somebody 

My clothes are different, 

My hair is different,  

My face is different, . . . but I am . . . Somebody 

I may be black,  

I may be brown,  

I may be white,  

I may speak a different language, . . . but I am . . . Somebody 

I must be respected, protected, and never rejected, . . . as I am . . . Somebody 

I am . . . Somebody 

I am God’s Child . . . I am . . . Somebody 

The “I am Somebody” affirmation is more than words, it is a declaration that every person is deserving of respect, that every person has value, that all of us matter.  

The revolution that was started by the Declaration of Independence in 1776 continues as an unfinished revolution in present day America as we work toward ensuring that the humanity that exists within all people is fully appreciated.  

For example, the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), passed by Congress in March of that year of 1972, proposed a Constitutional amendment guaranteeing equal legal rights regardless of sex – an amendment that has yet to be ratified. Every March, we recognize the contributions of women in our world, despite hurdles they continue to face in both law and norms.  

The Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC) will be hosting a series of events throughout the year examining questions and issues raised by the Declaration of Independence.  

In addition to unfinished revolutions, look for MHC to examine the concept of “We the People,” how Minnesota’s story should be understood, and how we can work to improve upon the American Experiment of government over the next 250 years.  

Look for more information about programs and events throughout the year and throughout Minnesota. We look forward to seeing you there.