National Freedom Day is a day dedicated to promoting peace, harmony, and equal opportunity for all. As a nation that values freedom, it’s meaningful that this day also marks the start of Black History Month.
While its purpose is clear, the origins of Freedom Day have sparked some debate over the years.
Origin of Freedom Day
If you trace it back to Kent State University, Freedom Day’s roots lie in the work of Carter G. Woodson. In 1926, his passion for history led to a weeklong celebration honoring Abraham Lincoln (12 February) and Frederick Douglass (14 Februaru). By the late 1960s, this grew into Black History Month, starting every 1 February.
Photo Credit: The Atlantic Magazine
Major Richard Wright
If you asked civil rights leaders in 1940s Philadelphia, they’d tell you Freedom Day began with Major Richard R. Wright. Born into slavery, Major Wright gained freedom through the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment. A trailblazer, he became the first Black paymaster in the U.S. Army and achieved the highest rank for a Black man during the Spanish-American War.
Wright’s work in politics and banking left a legacy that inspired Congress to designate 1 February as Freedom Day, one year after his death. For Wright, “freedom” wasn’t just a word—it was life itself.
Photo Credit: trumanlibraryinstitute.org
Making It Official
In 1949, Congress passed 62 Stat 1150, authorizing the president to proclaim Freedom Day. President Harry Truman made it official with a proclamation that same year.
Photo Credit: Media Defense.gov
The Struggle for Civil Rights
For many, “freedom” remained a promise unfulfilled. In 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. described it as a “promissory note” still owed to Black Americans. Through nonviolent protests, King became the face of the Civil Rights Movement, earning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.
Honoring Freedom and Sacrifice
Freedom Day is a time to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy and honor those who fight to protect them. America’s military embodies the ultimate commitment to freedom—risking everything to defend others.
Dr. King’s words remain a guiding light:
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
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