The 4th of July celebrates the Declaration of Independence in 1776, recognizing breaking away from British rule. The emancipation proclamation, ending slavery, was signed by Lincoln in 1863. Two years later, in 1865, slavery ended in Texas now recognized as Juneteenth. From 1865 to 1964 thousands of black men, women, and children were lynched in this country? The 4th of July means NOTHING to me, it just another work day!