Georges Erasmus, an Aboriginal leader from Canada, said, “Where common memory is lacking, where people do not share in the same past, there can be no real community. Where community is to be formed, common memory must be created.”

How do we recognize the shared history of holidays like Columbus Day, Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July? There are different perspectives of the day, the meaning behind it and the stories told.

As a nation, the United States of America does not share a common memory. So how do we have a true community?

As this 4th of July week is coming to an end, let us remember that there are many perspectives to each story. Ask yourself how can we create a common memory with our neighbors?

Can we work together to create a narrative that binds us together through our shared humanity? Our history books are full of stories. I challenge you to create a new shared narrative.

Leanne Rubenstein 
Executive Director, Compassionate Atlanta