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Decatur, GA.— The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) DeKalb County Branch recognizes Jan. 1 as Jubilee Day and will host a virtual program on New Year’s Day at 10 a.m.
Jan. 1, 1863 was the official signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, the freeing of enslaved Africans in America. On this day, President Abraham Lincoln signed freedom (on paper) for all Blacks held captive in Southern states, opening the door to greater opportunities and a chance at the “American Dream”.
“This is not just a time for celebration, but it is also a time for remembrance and encouragement,” said Teresa Hardy, president of the NAACP DeKalb Branch. “Although we are free from the physical bondage of slavery, we still lost a long list of brothers and sisters, especially over the past year, to racial terrorism.” A new era has arrived for Blacks in American, and people are tired of the inhumanity and injustice as they chant “No more…We Are Done Dying!”
This year’s event will feature keynote speaker Dee Dawkins-Haigler, former state representative, minister, community activist and political strategist.
“This is not only a celebration of Black freedom, but it is also a reminder to continue the fight. We must encourage people to use their voices and votes to enact the change they need in their communities,” said Hardy.
Rainbow Park Baptist Church, 2941 Columbia Drive, Decatur, is sponsoring the free virtual Jubilee program. The Rev. Steven N. Dial, Sr. is senior pastor of the church.
To register for the event, visit www.naacpdekalb.org. For more information contact Attorney Dee Smith, Jubilee Day Committee Chair, at 404-241-8006 or info@naacpdekalb.org.