Know What Freedom Means On National Freedom Day

February 1 is not only the first day of Black History Month but also National Freedom Day, which indicates the signing of the 13th Amendment. 

On National Freedom Day people dedicate their time to not only celebrate the importance of this day but also the freedom we have. Most importantly, this significant day gives us a chance to think about the brave people, who are still fighting to achieve their freedom and voice.

Key Takeaways:

• National Freedom Day is celebrated annually on February 1st.
• It marks the signing of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery in the U.S.
• The day honors the struggles for freedom and encourages reflection on ongoing fights for equality.
• Major Richard Wright was instrumental in creating National Freedom Day, which was officially recognized in 1948.
• Despite the 13th Amendment, its exception for forced labor in prisons led to continued oppression, including mass incarceration.

What Is National Freedom Day?

February 1 marks National Freedom Day, primarily celebrating freedom from slavery. On this significant day, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Joint Congressional Resolution, which was later recognized as the 13th Amendment by the U.S. Constitution. 

The amendment was originally signed in February 1865, abolishing slavery in the United States but it was not ratified until after Abraham Lincoln’s death. This was only possible due to the decade-long push of Richard R. Wright along with his fellow advocates of civil rights. Thanks to their dedication and relentless fight against slavery and oppression, America is now recognized as the symbol of liberty by the world.

But more than 160 years have passed since President Lincoln made his promise of freedom. Yet the nation still finds it complicated to prevail over the effects of ensuing campaigns of oppression against freed people and the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

This shows that the nation is failing to keep the promise of ensuring the safety and rights of its people. US Freedom Day serves as a reminder of this failure and encourages people to fight for their rights.

Brief History Of National Freedom Day

Major Richard Robert Wright Sr, a pioneering African American intellectual and civil rights advocator was born in 1855. He was born into severe poverty and slavery, which made him suffer during his childhood. In his early years, his freedom was taken by other people, which later in life made him think that there should be a designated holiday celebrating freedom for all Americans. 

As a person, Major Wright was highly accomplished within his rights. He was an educator, politician, and banker as well as a civil rights advocate. He was also known as a great community leader, by the people around him. Major Wright became major and the paymaster of the United States Volunteers in the US Army in 1898 after President William McKinley appointed him.

During the Spanish-American War Major Wright was the highest-ranking African American officer in the US Army. Since Major Wright had the dream to establish a day specially dedicated to the freedom of all people, this motivated him to create the National Freedom Day Association.  

Fast forward to 1941, Major Wright invited national and local leaders to meet in Philadelphia with the hopes of coming up with a plan to celebrate the first of February to memorialize the signing of the 13th Amendment. 

Unfortunately, he passed away before his dream would turn into reality. A year later in 1948, June 30, President Harry Truman signed the bill designated to celebrate the 1st of February as National Freedom Day fulfilling Major Wright's dream. 

The 13th Amendment played a crucial step in abolishing slavery, it still had a noteworthy exception, which was, "as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted." This exception allowed for forced labor in prisons and led to mass imprisonment.

At the same time, the Vagrancy Act of 1866 was passed. This law targeted the newly freed African Americans, using the exception in the 13th Amendment to force them into work. This law particularly impacted African Americans searching for work, as it required the unemployed to engage in labor for up to three months. If they attempted to escape, they would be captured and forced to work without compensation. Even today, the legacy of these laws continues to have an impact.

Later, Black History Week was started by Carter G. Woodson in 1926. And along with other efforts, helped pave the way for February to be recognized as Black History Month, a month of Freedom.

When Is National Freedom Day?

National Freedom Day is celebrated on February 1st every year in the United States. The day honors freedom, equality, and the ongoing pursuit of liberty for all. 

Now, let's look at the table showing the dates for National Freedom Day in the coming years.

National Freedom Day Dates

How Can You Observe National Freedom Day?

You can celebrate US Freedom Day by helping people understand their rights through discussions about the Constitution. You can also share information about the 13th Amendment in a social media post.

Here are a few other ways to observe National Freedom Day in various ways:

• Reading or watching a documentary based on the 13th amendment.
• Attending a National Freedom Day ceremony.
• Visiting a gallery or museum displaying pieces inspired by the 13th Amendment. 
• Remembering and reflecting on the sacrifices made by people who fought for their freedom.
• Reading about Major Wright and his dedication to making February the 1st National Freedom Day. 

Conclusion 

National Freedom Day honors the struggles for freedom made by the past generations. This day inspires us to ensure equality and freedom for all people today and in future too. It also serves as a reminder to hold the values of independence in our nation.