National Freedom Day
February 1, Thursday
History
On February 1, 1865, the U.S. Congress passed the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which prohibited slavery and forced labor in the United States. This amendment was a key step in securing civil rights for African Americans. The idea of celebrating Freedom Day belongs to Warren G. Harrison, who in 1942 proposed declaring February 1 a national holiday in memory of the 13th Amendment.
Celebration
National Freedom Day is not a federal holiday, but is celebrated in different states and communities, emphasizing the importance of civil rights and freedoms. Key events include:
Educational programs. Schools and organizations hold lessons and events dedicated to the history of slavery and the struggle for freedom.
Parades and rallies. Some cities hold parades and rallies to emphasize the importance of freedom and equality.
Reading stories: Many people read stories about the civil rights struggle, including the works of activists like Frederick Douglass and Martin Luther King.
National Freedom Day in other years
- 2021 February 1, Monday
- 2022 February 1, Tuesday
- 2023 February 1, Wednesday
- 2025 February 1, Saturday