The Fourth of July is widely regarded as American Independence Day. Historically, the Declaration of Independence was ratified on July 4, 1776. The document cemented independence from Great Britain. The British Empire previously colonized much of the east coast of North America. In the present day, it is often celebrated with hot dogs and fireworks, and extravagant celebrity parties.
However, in recent years, the Supreme Court and other politicians have made numerous highly controversial decisions. From the overturn of Roe v. Wade to the ongoing attack on LGBTQ+ rights and critical race theory, many now feel that the true independence day is Juneteenth, a date that commemorates when the last group of enslaved African people learned of their freedom in Galveston, Texas in 1865.
Given the more recent overturn of Affirmative Action, many argue that they will spend this July 4th protesting or celebrating the glimmers of progress that activists have made this year. In previous years, these celebrities went all out with their legendary Fourth of July parties.
Celebrity July 4th Celebrations
Taylor Swift notably holds a party to celebrate the occasion at her Rhode Island home. Swift penned the “Folklore” track “The Last Great American Dynasty” about the home, called Holiday House. Several of her closest friends were always in attendance and shared the highlights on social media, though Swift now chooses to keep her personal life more private online. Grammy winning singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, a close friend and collaborator of Swift’s, was reunited with a childhood friend at Holiday House one year, and she is now his wife, Cherry Seaborn.
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Actress and Goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow frequently shares healthy recipes on her social media pages. Back in 2018, she shared an image of an American Flag shaped pie that was chock full of fresh fruit.
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Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco is already getting into the festivities with his whole family. He shared a humorous video to his Twitter account referencing a similar scene to his recently released film “About My Father,” in which he stars alongside Robert DeNiro.
Family Fun Day @aboutmyfather #July4thWeekend pic.twitter.com/QB3W3N8FBm
— Sebastian Maniscalco (@SebastianComedy) July 2, 2023
Back in 2021, Miley Cyrus performed a show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Her famous song “Party in the U.S.A” has long served as a Fourth of July anthem.
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This weekend, the Empire State Building glows red, white, and blue in honor of the occasion.
Red, White, and Blue in celebration of the 4th of July
????: mraaronwoods/IG pic.twitter.com/8srRx4fvMy
— Empire State Building (@EmpireStateBldg) July 3, 2023
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Separating from the controversies surrounding an independence that was applied sparingly to American citizens, many are reminding the public to take today as a reflection of general progress, and a fight for freedom.
