"We Who Believe in Freedom Cannot Rest." Mural on the wall of row houses in Philadelphia. The artist is Parris Stancell, sponsored by the Freedom School Mural Arts Program.

As our country kicks into the hoopla and fanfare of Independence Day, we took a moment to reflect on the real struggle for freedom in the United States. We asked members of the Ella Baker Center team: What do you wish our nation was free/independent of?

Free from borders and boxes. - Tara

We need to free ourselves from the perception that competition, instead of cooperation, best advances one's self-interest. - Tia

Independence from corporate control of our political system, the domination of big banks and big businesses at the expense of our communities, and the prison system that locks people up and out rather than making our communities more just or safe. - Meredith

I hope we can take seriously the goal of becoming free from poverty. We have the resources to meet the basic needs of everyone, why haven't we done that? Why do we accept impoverishment as someone's personal failings or an inevitability? We need to create a society where everyone is clothed, fed, sheltered, and free to pursue their dreams and destinies. - Owen

Free from greed and selfishness. - Zakiya

Free from Hate and Violence. - Shemika

On independence day, let's be free of the notion that United States needs wars as a way of being perceived as the most powerful country in the world. - Rhina

America needs to be free of corporate rule-  POWER TO THE PEOPLE! - Lenore

Free from the fear of people different from us. - Jessica

Free from violence and poverty. - Melinda

Free from always seeing things as either black or white. Let's open our eyes to the shades of grey and other colors! - Morgan

Free of the prison industrial complex. - Jennifer