Independence Day

by sam on 07/6/2025

I was having a difficult time figuring out how to ‘celebrate’ July 4th this year, given the state of our country and the world, so I decided to go to the Whitney and spend some time with American art, and in particular African-American art. They’re having a large exhibit by Amy Sherald, most well-known for creating Michelle Obama’s portrait that normally hangs at the National Portrait Gallery. In addition, I got a member preview of their new “Untitled” (America) exhibit which is mostly art from their permanent collection but curated along a specific theme. I then took a little walk on the high line, one of my favorite things to do on a beautiful day in my beautiful city of immigrants.

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

Emma Lazarus
November 2, 1883