Post by Mr. White on Feb 1, 2020 21:53:09 GMT -5
www.cnn.com/2020/02/01/us/national-freedom-day-richard-wright-trnd/index.html
February 1 isn't just the start of Black History Month. It's National Freedom day, created by a former slave commemorating abolition
It starts in 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing slaves. But Lincoln knew that a proclamation wouldn't be enough -- leading to the creation of the 13th Amendment.
The 13th Amendment, which formally abolished slavery, was officially approved on February 1, 1865. Almost 100 years later, that day became known as National Freedom Day.
The mastermind behind National Freedom Day
Richard R Wright
It wasn't until Wright was 86, in 1942, that he began seriously lobbying for the creation of National Freedom Day, according to the the National Constitution Center.
Wright held grassroots celebrations honoring February 1, and even went on a national speaking tour while working with legislators to get the day recognized.
But Wright never saw his dream realized. He died in 1947 -- a year before the day was signed into federal code.
February 1 isn't just the start of Black History Month. It's National Freedom day, created by a former slave commemorating abolition
It starts in 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing slaves. But Lincoln knew that a proclamation wouldn't be enough -- leading to the creation of the 13th Amendment.
The 13th Amendment, which formally abolished slavery, was officially approved on February 1, 1865. Almost 100 years later, that day became known as National Freedom Day.
The mastermind behind National Freedom Day
Richard R Wright
It wasn't until Wright was 86, in 1942, that he began seriously lobbying for the creation of National Freedom Day, according to the the National Constitution Center.
Wright held grassroots celebrations honoring February 1, and even went on a national speaking tour while working with legislators to get the day recognized.
But Wright never saw his dream realized. He died in 1947 -- a year before the day was signed into federal code.
