National Freedom Day
National Freedom Day is a
Later, this date was celebrated as Black History Day.
History
In the mid-20th century, Major
One year after Wright's death in 1947, both houses of the U.S. Congress passed a bill to make February 1 National Freedom Day. The holiday proclamation was signed into law on June 30, 1948, by President
It was the forerunner to Black History Day. Later Black History Month was officially recognized in 1976. Recognition of black history had been initiated by historian Carter G. Woodson in 1926.[2][3]
The President may issue each year a proclamation designating February 1 as National Freedom Day to commemorate the signing by Abraham Lincoln on February 1, 1865, of the joint resolution adopted by the Senate and the House of Representatives that proposed the 13th amendment to the Constitution.
On this day, many towns and cities have festivals. Some citizens reflect privately on the freedoms that the United States honors and to appreciate the goodwill of the United States. In Philadelphia, wreath laying at the Liberty Bell has been a tradition for many years to mark National Freedom Day. Symbols of the day may include a theme about freedom for all Americans. It is not a federal holiday.
See also
References
- ^ "Pennsylvania: Life and Times of Major Richard Robert Wright, Sr. and the National Freedom Day Association". Retrieved 2007-08-30.
- ^ a b c "125 Influential People and Ideas: Richard Robert Wright Sr". Wharton Alumni Magazine. Archived from the original on February 5, 2008. Retrieved 2008-08-30.
- ^ "National Freedom Day: A Local Legacy". Archived from the original on 2007-08-30. Retrieved 2007-08-30.