President Harry Truman signs the bill proclaiming February 1st as National Freedom Day, June 30, 1948 Photo courtesy National Freedom Day Association
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The Life and Times of Major Richard Robert Wright,
Sr. and the National Freedom Day Association
Despite being born a slave on May 16, 1855,
Major Richard Robert Wright, Sr. was a post-reconstruction
pioneer and trailblazer, who made remarkable contributions in
education, banking, politics, publishing, journalism, real
estate, and civic affairs. Among his many accomplishments, he
founded a high school, a college, and a bank; and owned
several newspapers. He also founded the National Freedom Day
Association, and worked toward establishing a national day to
commemorate freedom for all people.
On February 1, 1941, Major Wright invited national
and local leaders to meet in Philadelphia to formulate plans to set
aside February 1st each year to memorialize the signing of the 13th
Amendment to the Constitution by President Lincoln on February 1,
1865. One year after Wright's death in 1947, a bill passed both
U.S. Houses of Congress, making February 1st National Freedom Day,
and was signed into law on June 30, 1948. In subsequent years,
forty governors and all mayors of Philadelphia have issues
proclamations, designating February 1 as National Freedom Day in
their respective states and city. The purpose of the annual
observance is to promote goodwill, harmony, and equal opportunity
among all citizens, and to rededicate the nation to the ideal of
freedom.
Documentation includes a biography of Major Wright, a
history of the association, a reading list, and photographs.
Originally submitted by: Chaka Fattah, Representative (2nd District).
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The Local Legacies project provides a "snapshot" of American Culture as it was expressed in spring of 2000. Consequently, it is not being updated with new or revised information with the exception of "Related Website" links.
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