The Transformation of the American Flag by Black Artists

The typical Fourth of July is much more than just a day of barbeques and fireworks.

Picture a standard Independence Day celebration: sizzling hot dogs, attire of red, white, and blue, and a concluding spectacle of fireworks. It sounds like a festive day off. However, for many, the reality surrounding both the holiday and the flag is steeped in complexity.

Addressing this multifaceted relationship is the goal of , Vox’s interactive discussion platform this holiday weekend: How do Black Americans interact with the symbolism of the American flag?

This topic has gained traction, particularly following Beyoncé’s flamboyant Cowboy Carter performance and Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl engagement. One listener specifically questioned the evolution of these discussions.

This is a topic that deeply concerns Ted Johnson, a Black advisor at New America, a columnist, and a former US Navy commander. Johnson describes the flag as being monopolized by nationalists who tend to overlook America’s past errors by focusing solely on its achievements. He shares, “Personally, it’s a far more intricate relationship with the flag due to the extensive harm that has been associated with it.”

How do Black individuals reconcile experiences of harm with feelings of pride, and how has this dynamic shifted over time? Below is a distilled version of Johnson’s detailed thoughts.

Historical accounts shed light on these relationships, such as that of Jehu Grant, an enslaved man in Rhode Island during the Revolutionary War. His story illustrates the dual relationship with the flag, an emblem of freedom yet exclusion.

The historical treatment of Black military personnel underscores a dichotomy. Although they have fought for the nation’s ideals, they were also victims of racial exclusion. Armed with principles worth dying for, they yearned for benefits that were often denied to them solely based on race.

Before the Civil War, many enslaved individuals believed their prospects of liberation were tied to their commitment to serve. As the draft became a factor, Black Americans predominantly adhered to it, though they were still regarded as secondary citizens.

To claim American ownership, some believe one must partake in its sacrifices. The U.S. offers appealing military benefits, attracting Black citizens who feel a sense of belonging and rights to America.

Post-war eras saw returning Black soldiers face severe racial injustices. Nonetheless, the pride of contribution emerged amidst pervasive discrimination, even when returning in military attire.

A form of resistance and self-assertion was Marcus Garvey's introduction of the pan-African flag as a response to derogatory 'coon music.' This period underscored a complex relationship with national identity and symbols.

Pride in American achievements persists, despite a fraught history. Ted Johnson suggests patriotism honors the sacrifices of predecessors, without overlooking systemic issues within society.

Generational shifts indicate changing perceptions; Gen X, unburdened by Jim Crow, embodies a more confident reclamation of the American narrative, evidenced by cultural icons like Beyoncé.

Current discussions also extend to the broader definition of Blackness in America, acknowledging the diverse roots and modern experiences, which influence this cultural reclaiming.

In an evolving racial landscape, de-racializing national symbols remains a gradual process. While steps are being made, achieving a fully inclusive identity for American symbols is an ongoing journey.