Real freedom is not just fireworks and barbecues

As we gather today to recognize Independence Day, I want to take a quiet but powerful moment to say — thank you.

With a full and grateful heart, I extend my deepest appreciation to every single one of you who made our 2025 Juneteenth celebration a success. Over five days and six powerful events, you gave your time, your talent, and your spirit. And because of you, we did more than celebrate, we made history.

To every member who showed up, every volunteer who stood in the gap, every sponsor who believed in the mission, every performer, speaker, and community leader who shared their light — thank you. You are the reason this Branch continues to rise.

Together, we honored our past, poured into our youth, uplifted our elders, celebrated our culture, and reminded this region — and ourselves — that Black excellence isn’t seasonal, it’s generational.

And while today the nation celebrates its freedom, I want to be clear: our work continues. Because real freedom is not just fireworks and barbecues. It's equity, access, truth-telling, and the courage to keep going.

So whether you prayed, paid, performed, planned, or simply showed up, I saw you. We saw you. And I, as your President, remain sincerely thankful.

Let us continue this journey with boldness, unity, and unwavering purpose — not just for ourselves, but for the generations who will one day look back and say,

“They didn’t just celebrate freedom — they fought to fulfill it.”

With appreciation and vision,

Mrs. Cynthia Andry

President

Pulaski County NAACP Branch 4008B