CULTURE
8:19 AM PDT 7/3/2020
by
Alexandra Del Rosario
“Reflecting on the time of July 4 and what we are celebrating, this idea of independence, it is difficult for Americans of color to figure out how we fit into that celebration,” said the ‘Hamilton’ star.
In a chilling video showing images of American slaves side by side with violent images of protests across the country, Daveed Diggs channels the words of Frederick Douglass.
“What is the Fourth of July for my people?” Diggs asks.
The video, inspired by Douglass’s 1852 speech What for the slave is the Fourth of July?see the Hamilton asking where African Americans and people of color fit into the 4th of July celebrations. Diggs continues to draw attention to the sacrifices blacks have made for the United States, as a grim rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” marks the juxtaposed collection of protest videos and images from July 4.
Diggs joined Gayle King in CBS this morning to discuss Douglass’s powerful video and poignant words. the Snowpiercer The actor said the video contextualizes sentiments around the Black Lives Matter movement and “the desire to hold the United States accountable.” He said he added that he encourages blacks and people of color in the United States to think about where they fit in the country’s history.
“Reflecting on the time of July 4 and what we are celebrating, this idea of independence, it is difficult for Americans of color to figure out how we fit into that celebration,” he said.
During Friday morning’s interview, Diggs drew attention to his own experiences with discrimination and law enforcement. Diggs, aged 22 to 25, said he was detained by police about 40 times, but never fined. He also recalled being confronted by police before moving to Los Angeles to act. Hamilton.
“Police officers ripped me off my bike and threw me against a fence because I fit a description,” he said.
He went on to say that the Black Lives Matter movement and protests against police brutality are not directed at specific officers, but at a system “that is empowered to treat black lives differently.”
Towards the end of the interview, Diggs and King discussed Hamilton, which began airing on Disney + on Friday, and how the huge success of Broadway can lead to reflection.
“There is a great sense of patriotism that comes along with watching that show and I think it is something important to think about, especially today,” he said.
Watch the video and full interview below.
