We have to admit, we kind of just wanted to spend our 4th of July weekend eating hot dogs and trying not to sweat to death. But we also know that this is a significant moment in US History, one that’s worthy of some reflection. So we are trying to have our cake and eat it too.Enjoy the brief on-the-go reflections of our co-founder & executive director Maria Bruno as she tends to plants and pets. She then closes out with a (very imperfect) reading of Fredrick Douglass’s 1852 speech, “What to a Slave is the Fourth of July?” The context of Douglass’s speech is important. Two years prior to this speech in 1852, slavery was legalized nationally through the Fugitive Slave Act. The Civil War hadn’t happened yet; slavery was still very much alive. Yet Fredrick Douglass, himself a former slave, was asked to speak. And speak he did. Maria reads her favorite 15 minutes from the more than an hour long speech. Instead of looking at a close-up of her face for 25 whole minutes, enjoy some b-roll of Maria’s pets and plants — two of the main things that keep her sane in these trying times.Happy birthday, America! Let’s pray for many more.More from Ohioans Against ExtremismHang Out With Us and Eat Popsicles!Join us for Popsicle Social Hour on Friday, July 17th in Columbus! We’re teaming up with our friends from Ohio Women’s Alliance for an afternoon of snacks, lo-fi beats, and lively conversation. We will be in the Columbus Metropolitan Library Main Branch courtyard with frozen treats starting at 3 pm. There’s no need to take PTO for this event. We have reserved Room 2B for co-working from 1 pm to 5 pm.Learn About the Post-Dobbs Fight for Reproductive JusticeJoin us on July 8th at 7pm for an important conversation with experts and advocates to discuss where Roe fell short and how we secure reproductive justice for ourselves and the generations that follow.Tell Your Legislator What They’re Doing WrongSound Off: What Would You Say If Your Elected Official Actually Listened?Have you called, emailed, attended town halls, or posted online only to feel ignored by the people elected to represent you?Coming soon: Sound Off is a new Ohioans Against Extremism feature that will give constituents a platform to speak directly, publicly, to elected officials who have become difficult to reach. Whether you’re frustrated by a vote they cast, concerned about a bill they’re sponsoring, or simply want answers to questions they’ve avoided—we want to hear from you.Each edition will feature a constituent’s message and invite a response from the public official. Democracy works best when public officials listen. When they don’t, Ohioans deserve another way to be heard.Have something you want to say? Email info@ohagainstextremism.org.The OAE legislative tracker is available at any time at OhioBills.WTFJoin our Community Partner NetworkJoin a diverse network of community partners and take advantage of private planning sessions, exclusive safety resources, a free spot at OAE’s training sessions, and more.Support & Follow Ohioans Against ExtremismRely on our updates and analysis? Please consider supporting our work.We don’t have any billionaire friends, and we don’t paywall our updates. We rely on the generous support of Ohioans like you to keep us going. Please consider becoming a monthly donor. Even $5/month can make a big difference.Donate | Substack | PodcastThanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Ohioans Against Extremism at ohagainstextremism.substack.com/subscribe