NATIONAL FREEDOM DAY - February 1, 2023

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Let Freedom Ring… especially on February 1. Confused? It’s National Freedom Day! This day was founded to celebrate the freedoms we enjoy as U.S. citizens, freedoms that we should never take for granted. Specifically, the holiday commemorates the day in 1865 when President Abraham Lincoln signed what would later become the 13th Amendment. This amendment is so important because it effectively ended slavery in the United States. Freedom is one of the founding principles of the United States of America and this day was envisioned as a way for all citizens to take a moment to appreciate how lucky they are. We should all be thankful for the many freedoms we are afforded as citizens of this great country!

National Freedom Day timeline

July 4, 1776 Freedom in Black and White

The Declaration of Independence is adopted, with Thomas Jefferson's words: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights.'

July 8, 1776 Sound of Freedom

The Liberty Bell chimes for the first time from the tower of the Independence Hall.

December, 1791 Civil Rights and Liberties

The Bill of Rights, the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution, is ratified — promising the individual civil rights and liberties.

February 1, 1865 The 13th Amendment

President Abraham Lincoln signs the resolution proposing to outlaw slavery — the 13th Amendment of the country’s constitution.

1942 Philadelphia Celebrates This Day First

National Freedom Day is first celebrated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

1947 The Man Behind it All Dies

Richard Robert Wright Senior, who created National Freedom Day and established the National Freedom Day Association in 1941, dies one year before the day is officially recognized.

June 30, 1948 Freedom is Official

President Harry Truman signs the proclamation appointing February 1 as the official National Freedom Day in the United States.

June 2, 1964 No More Discrimination and Segregation

President Lyndon B. Johnson signs into law the Civil Rights Act, prohibiting the segregation of public and private spaces and discrimination based on race, sex, color, national origin, or religion.

How to Observe National Freedom Day

  1. Share the freedoms you most appreciate on social media 

    What freedoms do you appreciate the most? The ability to be friends with people of different backgrounds and orientations? The ability to choose the person you want to marry? Share with your friends and see what kind of freedom wave you set off. You might even want to start a purposeful movement among your friends by using a specific hashtag or asking a thought-provoking question.

  2. Dive into a Civil War history or a biography

    Pick up a new book or watch a movie or documentary to understand the lives and times that brought about the Civil War, and ultimately the emancipation of slaves. This will help you understand the founding of National Freedom Day. It will also give you some perspective and make you grateful for the freedoms you have today.

  3. Start a discussion group

    Put together a casual gathering to find out what freedom means to those around you. You might be surprised to hear the different ways that freedom can be defined. By letting everyone tell you what freedoms they’re grateful for, you’ll broaden your perspective. You’ll also become grateful for some freedoms you’ve never even thought about before!

Why National Freedom Day is Important

  1. It keeps us rooted in what matters

    This day was originally proposed as a national holiday by Major Richard Robert Wright, Sr. A former slave, he lobbied Congress to designate a day when the freedom of all Americans would be celebrated. The declaration was officially signed into law by President Harry S. Truman in 1948. With war, unrest and worse in so many parts of the world, our long history recognizing ‘freedom’ makes living in America a unique opportunity and blessing.

  2. It marks the first day of Black History Month

    Celebrating our freedom is the perfect way to start a month of appreciating the history and contributions African Americans have made to our culture, country and the world. We enter Black History Month on a positive and appreciative note, and get to spend an entire month recognizing some amazing achievements. That makes us happy; how about you

  3. It’s a day of appreciation

    National Freedom Day was established with the hopes of promoting goodwill, fairness and equality. Taking a moment to appreciate all the freedoms we enjoy daily will definitely put a positive spin on your day. Think small when you’re appreciating. You have freedom of speech. You have freedom to practice whatever religion you want! It’s a great opportunity to really consider and appreciate the freedoms we take for granted every other day of the year.

National Freedom Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 February 1 Sunday
2027 February 1 Monday
2028 February 1 Tuesday
2029 February 1 Thursday
2030 February 1 Friday
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