4th of July holiday brings mixed feelings for people across Greater Houston area

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Houston’s diversity brings a wide range of thoughts, feelings, and emotions about what the Fourth of July means. For many, the holiday can evoke mixed emotions, especially during a time of divisiveness and tension in the country. Freedom, liberty, and independence hold different meanings for different people.

Some Houstonians told that it doesn’t feel like a time to celebrate given the country’s polarizing state, while others are using the day to focus on their friends and family.

Andy Luu is celebrating the Fourth of July with both sides of his family for the first time in Pearland. As refugees who came to the U.S. after the Vietnam War, the holiday is a celebration of the opportunities they now have. “I’m so fortunate to be here every day. That’s why I try to be the best son possible and help my parents out. I appreciate what they had to sacrifice to give me the life I have today,” Luu said.

Chase Terrell, celebrating with friends in Pearland, sees the holiday as a time to reflect on the privileges and rights granted to those living in the U.S. “I think that everybody is taking it for granted and should be appreciative of what this country already provides for them and to stop overthinking,” Terrell said.

In contrast, Shelia Drake experienced an eerie feeling at Emancipation Park in Houston’s Third Ward, a place usually bustling with people and festivities on the Fourth of July. This year, the park was nearly empty, mirroring her feelings about the holiday. “Our family came out to watch the fireworks at Freedom Over Texas. But where’s the freedom? Where’s the real freedom? There is no freedom,” Drake said.

Despite the current divisive climate, Dinishi Abayarathna finds hope in the power of community. Her Missouri City neighborhood celebrated the Fourth of July together for the first time after successfully opposing the construction of an amphitheater they believed would be disruptive. “We’ve really taken this time at this block party with all the craziness going on to just double down on the community. There’s so much more we have in common than what makes us different,” Abayarathna said.