Hailey
In a heartfelt gathering ahead of Independence Day, over 100 Lawrence residents, including a University of Kansas law professor, local leaders, and even a puppet, came together to celebrate the U.S. Constitution and raise awareness about what they described as ongoing threats to American freedoms.
Event Focuses on Unity and Constitutional Values
Amii Castle, a constitutional law professor at the University of Kansas, hosted the Friday event with the goal of promoting unity and education rather than protest.
The celebration included a group reading of the U.S. Constitution, musical performances, and even a comedic act by a ventriloquist to add levity and accessibility to the occasion.
“We’re here to celebrate the Constitution, not to protest or demonstrate,” Castle emphasized. “I’ve come to realize you can be furious with your government and still deeply love your country—and I absolutely love mine.”
Historical Context of the Constitution Highlighted
Castle took time to offer a brief but insightful overview of the Constitution’s origins. She explained that the original document merely defined the framework of government, with individual rights only established through later amendments.
To this day, she noted, the Constitution has never been rewritten—only supplemented by amendments over time.
“This is an opportunity to hear our nation’s founding words without any political lens or interpretation,” Castle said. “Let’s take a moment to appreciate a document that has governed us for nearly 250 years.”
Community Participation and Readings Stir Emotion
After the crowd joined in a collective reading of the Preamble, various attendees took turns reading different sections and amendments of the Constitution aloud.
The readings were met with spontaneous applause, underscoring the emotional connection many feel to the nation’s founding principles.
Rev. Nori Rost, a minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Lawrence, stressed the importance of revisiting these historic texts in times of national tension.
“These words, though centuries old, still challenge us to pursue justice, freedom, and dignity for all,” Rost said.
Residents Express Deep Concern for Eroding Freedoms
For attendees like Lisa Pendergrass and Neil Kahle, the event served as a powerful reminder of what Independence Day truly represents: the celebration of freedom.
Both have been actively participating in weekly protests in downtown Lawrence and feel encouraged by the growing number of voices speaking out.
“It’s a powerful feeling,” said Pendergrass. “At first, it felt like only a few of us were willing to speak up. But seeing more and more people joining every Sunday—it’s overwhelming in the best way. It proves that people are hurting and they’re ready to fight for their rights.”
Coming Together in a Time of Uncertainty
Others, like Andrea Zuercher, acknowledged that they aren’t typically drawn to patriotic displays, but felt that the current climate called for a different kind of engagement.
For Zuercher, attending this event was about acknowledging fear, channeling anger, and standing in solidarity with others determined to resist the perceived decline of civil liberties.
“I usually don’t go to these types of events,” Zuercher admitted. “But this moment in time feels too important to ignore. I wanted to be among others who are just as concerned, scared, and resolved not to back down without a fight.”
The Lawrence Constitution Day gathering served as more than just a festive prelude to the Fourth of July—it was a reflection of growing civic concern, a celebration of foundational rights, and a call for unity in defense of American freedoms.
In times of division, events like this offer a rare moment of collective purpose grounded in the enduring values of liberty and justice for all.