Juneteenth and July 4th are complementary independence days that we should all celebrate

Barely two weeks ago, we celebrated Juneteenth as a national holiday for the first time. This weekend, we celebrate Independence Day for the 245th time. 

At first glance, these celebrations might seem at odds. Can you celebrate Juneteenth without feeling at least ambivalence about July 4th?

This interpretation oversimplifies Juneteenth while betraying the totality of American history. And it presents false choices – either you are for racial justice or you love America, either you must deny there’s a problem or deny our country’s ideals.