Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the following statement commemorating Independence day. 

“On July 4th, we should all be reminded that as our nation celebrates the declaration of independence of the United States, the signing of a document that was approved by the Continental Congress of 1776 and that permanently separated 13 North American British colonies from Britain was a very profound, but an only preliminary step that set in motion a series of courageous actions by women and men. In the midst of a Revolutionary War, they united and established a roadmap to Freedom. 

The Declaration of Independence was written by white men who yearned for freedom. Their lived experience compelled them to come together to agree on very noble principles if applied equally, fueled by their dreams and their aspirations.  All of the women and men of the revolutionary war era yearned for Freedom. Freedom and Democracy live in the same house and are in the DNA of the United States of America.  Many would pay with lives for us to inherit a Free and Independent democracy. the only way to build upon 

We commemorate the innovation and ingenuity that — while there is still much to do and accomplish — has set the stage for a future of which we can all one day be proud. This Independence Day, I want to wish every American, whether natural citizen, immigrant, TPS holder, or Dreamer, a happy Independence Day because, let me be very clear, this nation would not be what it is today if it weren’t for the strength that emanates from our cultural diversity. Happy July 4th! Stay safe. Stay healthy, enjoy the fireworks, and most importantly, take good care!”

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Yvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York’s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Taskforce on Immigration,  a Senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and a Senior Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security.