Under the baobab: Many people to celebrate, remember on the Fourth of July

Editor’s note: Part of this column is an excerpt from a 2009 column by the author.

The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays, even though at the writing of the Declaration of Independence many people, including most of my ancestors, were not seen as citizens or even people. Yet I celebrate the courageous struggle of those who dared to dream of, and work for, a country where universal freedom became the rule not the exception.

I celebrate the original inhabitants of this land who continue to fight to maintain their culture against the onslaught of foreigners.

I celebrate the 200,000 enslaved Africans who, volunteering as U.S. Colored Troops, joined the Union Army to help free our people.

I celebrate those white soldiers who gave their last full measure of devotion to sustain a union free of the tyranny of oppression.

I celebrate the immigrants, past and present, who enriched this country with their labor and their dreams.

I celebrate the women who marched and the allies who walked with them so that all could be citizens no matter their gender.

I celebrate the workers and union organizers who committed their time and sometimes gave their lives to ensure that all workers received fair wages and working conditions with the dignity to enjoy them.

I celebrate those who worked the polls and the streets to ensure that all of us have a vote that will count and mean something.

I celebrate Woody Guthrie, Marian Anderson, Pete Seeger, Bruce Springsteen, Paul Robeson, Mahalia Jackson, Oscar Brown Jr., Odetta, Willie Dixon and the countless other artists who inspired us to know that “this land is our land.”

I celebrate the teachers, social workers, community organizers, clergy, law enforcement and all those who have committed to building a society where justice is more important than profit and every man, woman, and child have access to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. (from the July 4, 2009 “Baobab” column)

Around town

The Palmer Museum celebrated America’s 250th with a community day hosted by Joyce Robinson and Bronwyn Flemming. The July 2 celebration included readings from national archival documents by Robinson, Flemming, State College Mayor Ezra Nanes, Mike Waldhier, Elaine Meder-Wilgus and myself.

Milesburg celebrated Patriots and Founders Day with the unveiling of a historic plaque listing the 15 local Revolutionary War veterans. Joe Pilot was emcee and sang the national anthem and “God Bless America.” Mayor Brooke Christian welcomed the audience. Connie Cole Supplied Native American historical background. State Rep. Paul Takac made some brief remarks while Dan Fisher and Debbie Arnold presented the plaque. Frank Kelly recited parts of the Declaration of Independence. Don Peters presented background on some of the founding families of Milesburg. Rev. Nancy Bostian gave the closing prayer and scrumptious cake was served.

The Roland Curtin Foundation for the Preservation of Eagle Furnace held an Ownership Celebration Day. Rep. Takac ceremoniously transferred the deed to the foundation and made remarks, along with John Wood from the PA Historical and Museum Commission, Bureau for Historic Sites and Museums. Sue Hannegan, president of the RC Foundation, introduced honored guests: U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson; Matt Wise from Sen. Yaw’s office; Matt Long from state Sen. Cris Dush’s office; Centre County Commissioners Mark Higgins, Amber Concepcion and Steve Dershem; Boggs Township Supervisors Scott Bennett, Dave Veneziano, Terry Gates; and members of nine central PA historic sites and museums.

Several members of the Curtin family and descendants of the ironworkers were also in attendance. Hannegan announced a special program for America 250 PA, “Echoes of the American Revolution at Eagle Iron Plantation,” on July 12, which will feature the stories of five Revolutionary War Veterans who settled on or near the Plantation after the war.

Carol Eicher, Naana Nti, and Leslie Laing held an all-day Community Diversity Conference at the Penn Stater. Prof. Shoba Sivaprasad Wadhia gave a timely presentation on immigration law and policy.

Stay strong.

Charles Dumas is a lifelong political activist, a professor emeritus from Penn State, and was the Democratic Party’s nominee for the U.S. Congress in 2012. He is a Lions Paw honoree. He lives in State College with his wife and partner of over 50 years.