A National Holiday Commemorating Emancipation of the Slaves

WHEREAS, President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863 ordered and declared that all persons held as slaves, in states, then in rebellion are henceforward, and forever free; and that the Executive Government of the United States, including the military and naval authorities thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of said persons; and

WHEREAS, the emancipating of said slaves was not an end within itself, but the beginning of a long struggle for equality and justice that continues today; and

WHEREAS, the history and story of the slaves who were emancipated has not been fully and completely told, nor properly recorded or represented; and

WHEREAS, it is important that this history and story be properly researched and archived for the American people, especially those of African descent; and

WHEREAS, the emancipation of the slaves has significant importance to the "total" and entire history of the United States; and

WHEREAS, the Emancipation Proclamation, a very important document in American History, deserves to have State and/or National recognition or observance, at a designated day or time.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People pursue the observation of a Holiday in recognition of the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that this holiday be our established Jubilee Day, January 1st of each year.