by contributor Erica Adams
In celebration of the 150th year anniversary since the issuance of The Emancipation Proclamation, The African American Civil War Memorial Foundation conducted a celebratory gala to issue awards to President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Ambassador Andrew Young.
President Obama recalled that on “September 22, 1862, President Lincoln issued the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, boldly declaring that on New Years Day, 1863, all people held as slaves in areas in rebellion against The United States shall be then, and hence forward, forever free. One hundred and fifty years after that historic event, we recognize an important milestone in the American story and reflect on the progress we have made in realizing our nations founding promises of liberty and justice for all.”
Former mayor of Washington DC Sharon Pratt Kelly received the award in the President’s absence. She read “As we commemorate this 150th anniversary let us rededicate ourselves to the timeless principles in champion, and celebrate the millions of Americans who have fought for liberty and the generations since,” signed President Barrack Obama.
Mr. Robinson, sent by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to accept the award, shared that “in a staff meeting this morning he watched her at the end of the table, commanding attention from all of the men” and admits that it is “very appropriate that she receive The Harriet Tubman award, because she has been a trailblazer.”
Ambassador Andrew Young accepted his award by sharing his personal opinion on The United States current status of freedom. “I feel really uncomfortable up here” he began, “because I am not sure we have enough freedom to celebrate.” The Ambassador claims that in today’s economy, American citizens are enslaved by their own debts. He warned to “celebrate at your own risk.”
