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Events: A Legacy of Liberty and Inclusion from Abe Lincoln, MLK and Jimmy Carter
By Editor Matina Bishop
Dr. King’s life was cut short in 1968, but his legacy endures, celebrated each January on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day . The Asian Spring Festival , also known as the Lunar New Year or Chinese New Year, is a celebration that marks the beginning of the new year in many Asian cultures. It's a time to reunite with family. The Roots of Presidents Day Every February, the nation pauses to honor its presidents on Presidents Day , a holiday originally established in 1885 to celebrate George Washing- ton’s birthday. Over time, the day has come to commemo- rate the contributions of all U.S. presidents, with special attention to transformative leaders like Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln’s leadership during the Civil War, particularly his role in the abolition of slav- ery, highlights his enduring legacy and why he remains central to this celebration. Black History Month: Honoring The Resilience and Achievement February also serves as Black History Month , a time dedicated to recognizing the struggles and triumphs of African Americans throughout U.S. history. Estab- lished by historian Carter G. Wood- son as Negro History Week in 1926, it has since evolved into a month- long observance, shining a light on the profound contributions of Black Americans to culture, science, politics, and beyond. While the Emancipation Proc-
T he United States, often described as a melting pot of cul- tures, beliefs, and tra- ditions, owes much of its identity to leaders who championed lib- erty and equality. Among them, Abraham Lincoln , MLK , and the late President Jimmy Carter . On January 1, 1863, Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation , a docu- ment that transformed the trajectory of American his- tory and marked the be- ginning of the end for slav- ery in the United States. While the Emancipation Proc- lamation applied only to the Confederate states in rebellion, it signaled a moral and polit- ical commitment to ending slavery. It redefined the Civil War as a fight not only for the Union but also for human free- dom. This bold move inspired millions and laid the ground- work for future leaders to ad- vocate for equality and justice.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: Carrying the Torch of Justice Nearly a century after Lin- coln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, another trans- formative leader emerged. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. became the face of the Civil Rights Movement, advocating for justice through nonviolent resistance. Born on January 15, 1929, Dr. King drew inspi- ration from Lincoln’s ideals, passionately pursuing a vision of America where equality wasn’t a dream but a reality. Dr. King’s iconic " I Have a Dream " speech in 1963 reso- nated deeply, echoing the prin- ciples of liberty and inclusion that Lincoln upheld. His efforts contributed to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 , two cornerstones in the fight for civil rights. Tragically,
“Dr. King’s iconic " I Have a Dream " speech in 1963 resonated deeply, echoing the principles of liberty and inclusion that Lincoln upheld.”
Friendly Sons of St. Patrick for the Relief of Emigrants from Ireland was founded in Philadelphia, PA, on March 17 ( St. Patrick's Day ), in 1771. From the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation to the Civil Rights Movement and the vibrant cultural celebrations that continue to enrich our society, Jan- uary, February, and March hold deep historical and cultural significance. n
lamation didn’t end slavery outright, it galvanized the movement toward the 13th Amendment , which abolished slavery nationwide. This lega- cy is carried forward through Black History Month , as it ed- ucates and inspires future gen- erations to continue striving for equality—a policy that the late President Jimmy Carter (1924- 2024) worked for in America. Carter was a descendant of English immigrant John Cart- er. BTW : The Society of The
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