Breaking The Chains
Note from Jemilia:
*Today will be the beginning of my Black History Month marathon. Unlike previous months, I'll be posting daily - weekends included - about African American historical figures, civil rights leaders, dancers, singers, athletes and our first African American president.*
What is Freedom?
According to Lexico, freedom is the state of not being imprisoned or enslaved - having the right or power to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. Freedom is choices, independence, expression, individuality, a way of thinking, and understanding the world. It's beautiful, complex and necessary, yet tons continuously take their freedom for granted.
When is National Freedom Day celebrated?
National Freedom Day is a federal observance celebrated on February 1st.
What is the history behind National Freedom Day?
Major Richard Robert, Sr. - a former slave, military officer, educator, college president, politician, civil rights advocate, and banking entrepreneur - believed that there should be a day when freedom for all Americans is celebrated. Wright took action and invited national and local leaders to meet in Philadelphia to formulate plans that would begin a movement to have a national observance to honor the signing of the 13th amendment.
In 1947, one year after Wrights death, both houses of the United States Congress passed a bill that would make February 1st - National Freedom Day.
On June 30th, 1948, president Harry Truman signed the holiday proclamation into law.
Before COVID-19 the world was always on GO... now it's almost like time is standing still.
Use some of that time to reflect on your freedoms and the sacrifices that were made for them to exist. Make the most of this thing called life and freedom. Make every day count.
**Dig into African American history, heroes and their accomplishments.
Source(s)
"Freedom." Lexico, 2021, https://www.lexico.com/synonyms/freedom
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