PHILADELPHIA— Of 34 panels set for reinstallation at the President’s House exhibit featured on the grounds of Independence National Historic Park after President Donald Trump had them removed — a panel regarding the pursuit of freedom deserves mention. The panel notes, Hercules, Washington’s enslaved chef, asked that his son Richmond be brought from Mt. Vernon, Va. (Washington’s estate home to more than 300 slaves) to Philadelphia. Hercules wanted Richmond to witness free people of African descent in Philadelphia although his wish ended after a short period of time. Washington sent Richmond home after writing of his fear; that his enslaved people here would seek freedom. Despite his precautions, Washington’s concerns later became reality when Hercules successfully escaped. Washington had penned this concern. Panels educating visitors about slavery in revolutionary times were re-installed at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia. (The Trentonian/L.A. Parker) Panels educating visitors about slavery in revolutionary times were re-installed at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia. (The Trentonian/L.A. Parker) Panels educating visitors about slavery in revolutionary times were re-installed at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia. (The Trentonian/L.A. Parker) Panels educating visitors about slavery in revolutionary times were re-installed at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia. (The Trentonian/L.A. Parker) Panels educating visitors about slavery in revolutionary times were re-installed at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia. (The Trentonian/L.A. Parker) Show Caption1 of 5Panels educating visitors about slavery in revolutionary times were re-installed at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia. (The Trentonian/L.A. Parker) Expand “The idea of freedom might be too great a temptation for them to resist. At any rate, it might, if they conceived they had a right to it, make them insolent in a State of Slavery.” Similar conditions exist on Plantation Trenton where leaders of various groups, ethnicities, and backgrounds, fear that if Blacks or Hispanics ever realized the power waiting for them via freedom and influence generated by being engaged in the political process, we would flip the script. Instead, as a diminishing political majority, we nurse on the Democratic pacifier, feeling privileged to accept all the freebies, despite the fact that our schools falter, neighborhoods fail, and our expectations remain limited. Carter Woodson, author, educator, activist, and father of Black History Month, argued that reliance on the same systems and people who created, or profit from, the poverty of Black communities keeps those communities weak and prevents true liberation. “If (Blacks)in the ghetto must eternally be fed by the hand that pushes him into the ghetto, he will never become strong enough to get out of the ghetto,” Woodson explained. Hamburgers, hot dogs, and a ride on the city’s rented Ferris Wheel in Cadwalader Park will not alter generational poor conditions of Black communities. In fact, refusing such gifts, going hungry, may offer advancement by separation from this strategic political gambit. Pray for the day when the aroma of sweet freedom delivers a revolution and realization that our condition can gain rectification through good government. L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at [email protected]. ...read more read less