National Freedom Day

Today is National Freedom Day! National Freedom Day celebrates the signing of the 13th amendment to the United States Constitution by President Abraham Lincoln in 1865. The 13th amendment was proposed to abolish slavery in the United States. The amendment was ultimately ratified on December 18th, 1865, roughly 7 months after the end of the Civil War, thus formally outlawing slavery in the nation.

National Freedom Day was established on June 30, 1948. The national holiday was made official by President Harry Truman, however, the date was advocated for by political activist Richard R. Wright, who was born into slavery in Georgia and resided in Philadelphia.  

Today, acknowledge and celebrate the important steps we have made toward freedom and equality as a nation. At the same time, recognize the importance of preserving and advocating for equality and justice for all citizens.