CBC Chairman Cleaver’s Statement on the 150th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                  January 1 , 2013
Contact: Ayofemi Kirby

CBC Chairman Cleaver’s Statement on the 150th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation

WASHINGTON, DC – CBC Chairman Emanuel Cleaver released the following statement today on the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation:

“One hundred and fifty years ago today, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring all persons held as slaves “forever free.” Let us use this day in our history to honor the millions of enslaved Americans for whom this document served as a symbol of hope that America would one day embrace and respect the humanity of every individual.

“Though the Emancipation Proclamation did not immediately free those enslaved in this country, it served as the first and most important step in abolishing this heinous institution. It  also changed the nature of the Civil War from solely being an effort to preserve the union to becoming a plight to liberate millions of African Americans and those of African descent fighting for their freedom.

“We celebrate this milestone in the story of our nation today, and recognize its significance in the restoration of human dignity.”

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