The American Dream Reimagined: Food, Freedom, and Fantasy
Redefining Independence
Once Juneteenth became nationally recognized, I must admit, I did away with the thought of the Fourth of July as a holiday for me because it does not define my liberation. Of course, being pro-black, this feeling felt rooted in heritage, a movement of wokeness, and unwavering support for millions of blacks who have yet to live the American dream. The idea of America sounds captivating, and it's a land in which you are called to dream and chase those dreams to the fullest. The American Dream does have a taboo meaning, and its demonstration came from a history that is hard to be proud of because of all the malice and wickedness it took for immigrants, slaves, or even natives to feel they can be a part of it truly. Yet here we are in 2025, truly witnessing the blessing of Americanism and its ability to force one into a dream; the comfortable state one can acquire due to safety, time, resources, and access.
To celebrate America’s Independence Day, I needed to discover what truly defines me as an American and take pride in doing so, being intentional with the idea of “land of the free and home of the brave,” while maintaining my image of black excellence.
Well, after pondering on American ideologies and the root of the country, I began to realize black culture is separated from African culture due to us losing connection to our heritage and ancestors from hundreds of years of being forced to be something we were not designed to be. From ruling palaces and leading countries to being enslaved and coerced into building this country, the American dream would not be made possible had it not been for the willingness to fight and never give up until freedom rang through the streets for all who enter this land. African Americans have had a significant impact on the country’s infrastructure today.
The Legacy We Built
Independence Day comes twice a year for Blacks because we were set free from the bondage of slavery on Juneteenth. Still, we get to celebrate America’s independence, which was only made possible through the ancestral blood, sweat, and tears, as well as hundreds of years of fighting and grit. Hundreds of years of suffering and discouragement, but with the foresight of what a future awaited the next generations of blacks that would call this place home, not by force, but by birth. Our culture is rich in excellent food, music, fashion, sports, art, literature, and much more. Despite the struggles of systemic racism, we still can take pride in the freedom to be ourselves unapologetically, no matter the limitations of a government that attempts to hold us back and hinder our progress through a system of evil, hate, and ultimate envy.
If the good ‘ol United States of America is home to you, there is a blessing with your name on it because of the freedom (no matter the limitations) that most countries do not get to abide in or partake of. Wake up every morning with the intention to break generational curses, no matter what your background (we all have struggles, whether that be physical, mental, emotional, financial, or social), and learn about the many resources you have access to. You can create a better tomorrow for yourself, and that is the essence of the American Dream: the privilege to dream and imagine, to innovate and celebrate, to be lazy or hard working, eager or not motivated, the choice is yours; American dreaming is the freedom to choose whatever feels right for you.
Pepperoni Rolls: A Slice of Freedom
What felt right for me this Independence Day was to revisit something near and dear to my gut, pepperoni rolls. Pepperoni rolls are a West Virginia staple, and being that my birthplace is Mountain Mama, I felt the need to share some of that culture with others this holiday. The typical tradition of July 4th consists of block parties, cookouts, picnics, fireworks shows, and pool parties, the majority of which I participated in this year for the first time in five to six years. Admittedly, a lot of my lack of celebration for the 4th came from always being busy with work, so even if there were invitations, I was often missing out. However, I never really felt I was missing out because I didn't feel the need to be a part of something that my people no longer claimed. This summer's theme is 'gather with intentionality,' so as the invitations started ringing in, I needed to ponder what Independence Day meant to me. I wanted to define the American Dream truly, and to be honest, it is the food, freedom, and fantasies that drive this great nation.
The pepperoni roll is an iconic American dish with origins in West Virginia. It was created in the early 1900s by Italian immigrants employed in coal mines. The most recognized creator is Giuseppe "Joseph" Argiro, who started offering pepperoni rolls in 1927 at the Country Club Bakery located in Fairmont, West Virginia.
The idea was straightforward yet ingenious: pieces or sticks of pepperoni were nestled inside soft white bread rolls. This provided a practical, non-perishable, and calorie-rich meal that miners could easily take with them into the mines, requiring no refrigeration or utensils. As the years went by, the pepperoni roll became a cherished local favorite, spreading across West Virginia and into nearby states. Nowadays, it’s not just a snack, but a cultural symbol of both Appalachian and Italian-American heritage, to the extent that it is the official state food of West Virginia.
Gathering with Intentionality
July 4th, 2025, was a time to slow down, remember, and plan to be intentional. I had the privilege of sharing my pepperoni roll recipe, which I've curated over the years since high school, when I first started making and selling them within the community to help pay for college, with others that I joined for the Fourth of July festivities. The feedback was great, the fellowship was refreshing, and the experience was joyful.
Upper Arlington, Ohio, goes all out for its Fourth of July. At 9 AM, the parade starts, where neighborhoods within the town show off this year’s float, competing for bragging rights and their coveted 1st place trophy. The Party at the Park featured live music from a local cover band named The Conspiracy Band, local vendors, food trucks, and families within the UA community, all of whom came out to support and celebrate. Kids play sports throughout the fields while adults mingle and chat. I was invited to the festivities by my good friend, Ukeme Awakessien Jeter, and her table was lit. We had a perfect view of the stage where the live music took place. I witnessed her neighborhood take home 2nd place for the most entertaining float (I learned the night before while at the block party where everyone in that neighborhood gathered to build the float and enjoy each other’s company that the Darcann Neighborhood has won 1st and 2nd place for the last eight years in a row so it felt like an honor to be invited to a group that only knows how to win), and we all lived, laughed, and loved all night long with their friends and family as we eagerly awaited the drone show and fireworks that would follow.
A night like this helped me remember the pride we should have in a country like ours, which we get to call home. Despite the wickedness of this world, there is beauty in the good, and that should be the focus as we continue to fight for equality, peace, and fairness for all.
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” —Harriet Tubman
