This Saturday, March 28th will mark the 210th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the state of New York. Although, complete abolition did not occur until 1827, on the 28th of March 1799, the gradual emancipation law was enacted. This act stated that a person born after July 4th 1799, would be freed upon reaching the age of 20 or 25, depending upon whether that person was a man or a woman. I often wonder how many native New Yorkers realize this important date in African-American history. When it comes to celebrating independence about the only recognition is given to the 4th of July. Personally, I find it rather odd that people of African descent recognize this holiday, since in actuality we were still enslaved after the American Revolution ended, so what’s the point? True, African-Americans did fight in the American Revolution; in fact one of the first men to die was a man of African descent by the name of Crispus Attucks.
As I continue to increase my knowledge of African-American history, particularly in the state of New York, it is my goal to increase awareness of the significant dates in the history of the African Diaspora, not just here in the United States, but wherever people of African descent reside. It is the opinion of some, that people of African descent have no history other than slavery, I aim to change these opinions.
One of my house-mates came into the kitchen this morning and asked me what I was doing. When I responded that I was writing a blog entry about the anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the state of New York this Saturday, he responded that he really did not care. My response to him was “that’s the problem.” I am sure he is not alone in his attitude in regards to understanding African-American, or for that matter African history in general. As an example, if you are a fan of the game show “Jeopardy”, whenever there is a category relating to African history, many contestants avoid this category like the plague! Our history is often viewed as being insignificant, and that, in my opinion, is the root of many of the racist attitudes prevalent here in the United States and the world in general.
I really don’t expect the majority of Anglo-Americans, or for that matter any other race, to be as committed to ensuring that African history be disseminated throughout our society. So, it is up to us as people of African descent regardless from which area of the globe we claim as our home, ensure that our history takes its rightful place amongst those who for so long have dominated the historical world stage.
