(images from 1862-1863; 1910)

On December 31, 1862 African American slaves and abolitionists gathered in churches throughout the United States for Watchnight Service and to celebrate and await the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. They sang, prayed, danced, and made plans for the New Year! This Proclamation signed by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863 legally abolished slavery!! Many slaved were separated from their biological families and Watch Night aka Freedom’s Eve became a tradition for African Americans to celebrate each other and their new found friends We often hear “Black History should be recognized more than 28 days in February.” From this Freedom’s Eve forward, remember how far we’ve come. 148 years is NOT a long time ago. We are responsible for recognizing our Heritage. Most African American Churches still participate in the Watchnight tradition which was originally founded by Rev. John Wesley in 1740. Rev. Wesley introduced “Watchnight” as a religious gathering where Christians confessed about the year past and prayed for the year to come. They also incorporate in their religious program, a celebration of “Freedom’s Eve”, the night where possibility become reality and slaves were set Free. Midnight marks a New Year and a New Found Freedom. What are you going to do with it?

"See Yourself in the Future. You are Royalty!"

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