243 years ago, just down the road from the AIDS Law Project’s Chestnut Street office, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by Second Continental Congress.
The Declaration of Independence establishes our guiding principles “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
These principles are the foundation for two very important fights for equal rights. This summer, we celebrated two anniversaries: the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots and the 29th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Thanks to those who struggled and fought, progress was made in achieving equal access for all under the law.
We recognize that there is much work still to be done in this fight, but we can all benefit from setting aside the day to reflect on the progress we have made.
We wish you all a peaceful July 4th. Wear sunblock and don’t fire guns.