August 4ourth is a powerful historical record of Black American freedom celebrations that were intentionally buried and forgotten. Rooted in the lived experiences of Randolph County’s Black community, this book brings to light the events, gatherings, and spirit behind August 4th — a date once honored as our true Emancipation Day.

Before Juneteenth became a national conversation, August 4th was our day. For decades, Black Americans in Missouri and surrounding states recognized this date as a time of ancestral reverence, community organizing, and cultural pride. This book restores those memories and offers documented evidence of celebrations, parades, and speeches held throughout the early 20th century — all honoring our freedom, on our terms.