When is National Freedom Day 2022?

National freedom day is celebrated on February 1 every year to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States.

National Freedom Day

National freedom day commemorates President Abraham Lincoln’s signing of the joint resolution that established the 13th amendment to the United States Constitution, which abolished slavery in the United States.

It is a day when people honor Richard R. Wright and his fellow civil rights activists’ decades-long efforts. This day was created to honor the liberties people enjoy as citizens of the United States, which should never be taken for granted.

National freedom day is now also celebrated to eliminate human trafficking, which is rising like fire, and many people are treated as enslaved people due to it.

What is National Freedom?

The twentieth century saw some of the most significant advances in technology and science, as well as some of the most destructive wars in history. It saw the spread of democracy while also witnessing the most comprehensive oppressive regimes in history. Major decisions have been made, and great wars have been fought throughout the twentieth century to pursue freedom, which the people have yearned for throughout their lives.

National, political, and individual freedom are the three components of freedom. National freedom refers to an entity’s ability to be free of foreign control, whether as a nation or a tribe.

People in the United States have achieved remarkably balanced national, political, and individual freedoms. As a result, they have a unique system of national freedom that is largely unrecognized.

History of National Freedom Day

National freedom day commemorates the signing of a joint resolution proposing the 13th amendment to the United States constitution on February 1, 1865, by Abraham Lincoln, the nation’s president at the time.

Major Richard Robert Wright Sr., born into slavery and freed after the American Revolution, believed that there should be a day set aside to commemorate all Americans’ freedom. So, Wright convened a meeting of national and local leaders in Philadelphia to discuss plans to designate February 1 as an annual commemoration of President Abraham Lincoln’s signing of the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution on that date. All enslaved people in the United States were freed due to the amendment.

Both houses of the United States Congress passed a bill making February 1 as national freedom day, a year after Wright’s death in 1947. President Harry Truman signed the holiday proclamation into law on June 30, 1948.

Many towns and cities hold festivals on this day. In addition, some citizens privately reflect on the freedoms that the United States upholds and appreciate the country’s goodwill.

National Freedom Day and Human Trafficking

National freedom day is also celebrated to eradicate human trafficking, which has snatched the fundamental freedom rights of many people, especially children, and women. Human traffickers exploit an estimated 24.9 million people worldwide, more than 150 years after President Abraham Lincoln’s promise of liberty. In addition, the country is still struggling to recover from the effects of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and the subsequent oppressive campaigns against newly freed people and their descendants.

On this day, the US Department of State reaffirms its commitment to work with its global and multilateral partners, including governments, civil society organizations, the private sector, and survivors, as well as the US Congress and federal agencies, to address the vast scale and complexity of human trafficking. In addition, they hope to collaborate to better integrate anti-trafficking measures into other important policies at a national level.

The department has elevated the fight against human trafficking in the United States and worldwide in the two decades since Congress passed the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, the first federal law to address the issue comprehensively. On this day, we honor the heroes who have fought injustice to ensure that all people can live in freedom. In the future, we must step up our efforts and reinvigorate our role as a global leader in the fight to end human trafficking, reaffirming our commitment to meaningfully engage survivors and combat human trafficking in all of its forms.

Why Do We Celebrate National Freedom Day? 

Major Richard Robert Wright, Sr. proposed this day as a national holiday in the first place. As a formerly enslaved person, he lobbied Congress to establish a day to commemorate all Americans’ freedom . This day is important to acknowledge his efforts. With war, unrest, and worse in so many parts of the world, living in America is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and blessing. This day is essential for Americans to acknowledge freedom.

National freedom day is essential because it is the ideal way to kick off a month dedicated to honoring the history and contributions of African Americans to culture, country, and the world. The national freedom day begins black history month on a positive and appreciative note, with an entire month dedicated to celebrating some incredible accomplishments.

National freedom day aims to promote goodwill, fairness, and equality. The purpose of national freedom day is to take a moment to appreciate all of the liberties we have daily that will brighten your day. When you’re appreciating, think small. You have the right to free speech. You have the freedom to follow any religion you want! You don’t have to follow the tyrannical inhumane laws. National freedom day is a beautiful opportunity to reflect on and appreciate the liberties you have.

How to Celebrate National Freedom Day? 

We do not give significant importance to national freedom day because we have national freedom. However, if you acknowledge your freedom, there are some exciting ways to celebrate national freedom day.

Reflect on the freedoms found in the United States

You can reflect on the types of freedoms found in the United States by comparing it with countries like North Korea, where people wish to have a life with fundamental rights and freedom.

Know about the 13th amendment

You can read a detailed article about the history of the 13th amendment that outlawed slavery in the United States. Suppose you are already aware of the history of the 13th amendment. In that case, you can share the history on social media with the hashtag national freedom day so more people can know about the efforts which have been forgotten.

Know your heroes

On national freedom day, you should read about the people like Major Richard Robert, who was enslaved but freed the rest of the Americans from slavery. National freedom day is an important day to acknowledge the heroes who made efforts to make America a better place.

Attend a seminar

Attend a local freedom festival or seminar. Ask your city officials to start a yearly commemoration of our liberties if you can’t find any.

Make Donations

Human trafficking in the United States is a significant concern. Donate to organizations that fight human trafficking in the United States and worldwide to support the fight against modern slavery.

Create a discussion forum

Organize a casual gathering to learn more about what freedom means to the people around you. You might be surprised to learn how freedom can be defined in many different ways. You’ll broaden your perspective if you let everyone tell you what freedoms they’re grateful for. You’ll also be grateful for some liberties you never even considered before!

Facts About National Freedom Day

Official national freedom day

On June 30, 1948, President Harry Truman signed a proclamation designating February 1 as the official national freedom day in the United States.

No more discrimination or segregation

The Civil Rights Act was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson, prohibiting segregation of public and private spaces and discrimination based on race, sex, color, national origin, or religion in the summer of 1964.

First to celebrate national freedom day

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was the first city to commemorate national freedom day.

Facts About Human Trafficking

• It is estimated that there are between 20 million and 40 million people in modern slavery around the world today. However, it’s difficult to assess the full scope of human trafficking because so many cases go unnoticed, which the UN refers to as “the hidden figure of crime.”
• Human trafficking generates approximately $150 billion in annual profits for traffickers, with $99 billion from commercial sexual exploitation.
• Women and girls account for 71 percent of enslaved people worldwide, while men and boys account for 29 percent.
• According to estimates, about 50,000 people are trafficked into the United States each year, from Mexico and the Philippines.
• According to advocates, human traffickers use online social media platforms to recruit and advertise targets.
• In the United States, a teen enters the sex trade at an average age of 12 to 14 years old. Many of the victims are runaway girls who have been sexually abused since they were children.
• California received more calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline in 2018 than any other state in the country, followed by Texas and Florida, respectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the 13th Amendment State?

The 13th amendment states, ‘Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for the crime of which the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.”

Is national freedom day a public holiday?

This is a federal holiday, but it is not a national holiday. This is a day that any American can celebrate. The day is commemorated by cities and government institutions across the United States. Libraries and educational institutions also celebrate it.

What does national freedom day honor?

On February 1, national freedom day commemorates the end of slavery. It also acknowledges America’s role as a symbol of liberty. In addition, the day commemorates Abraham Lincoln’s signature on a joint House and Senate resolution that became the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution. The day is also essential to end human trafficking from the world, which is now a global concern.

What is the national freedom day theme?

The theme of national freedom day is ‘freedom for all Americans’. Wreath-laying at the Liberty Bell, which represents freedom and liberty, has also taken place on this day in the past.

Why is freedom so important to the United States of America?

Independence and freedom is powerful motivator for self-determination among Americans, as evidenced by the early colonists’ bravery and those who marched westward to build new lives, homes, and communities. The Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, also guarantees various freedoms.

Conclusion

Americans enjoy national freedom to a great extent compared to other countries where people struggle for freedom. Still, national freedom day is more important than ever because human trafficking is becoming a hot underworld business day by day, and many people are suffering from this.

National freedom day is an opportunity to put some light on human trafficking. We should join hands together to end human trafficking to every person can fully enjoy national freedom. National freedom day is also an opportunity to know the importance of freedom and consider it a blessing.