Freedom from Slavery...

Whether It Is "Watch Night" or "Freedom's Eve",  the Black Community  in America Celebrated  Freedom from Slavery as of  11:59 pm, December 31, 1862 "On that night, Blacks came together in churches and private homes all across the nation, anxiously awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation had actually become law."  Slaves wait for 12:00 am, January 1, 1863, the first day of freedom for many Black slaves in America. Written by Charyn D. Sutton  If you live or grew up in a Black community in the United States, you have probably heard of "Watch Night Services," the gathering of the faithful in church on New Year's Eve.  The service usually begins anywhere from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and ends at midnight with the entrance of the New Year.       There are two essential reasons for the importance of New Year's Eve services in African American congregations.  Many of the Watch Night Services in Black communities that we celebrate today can be traced back to gatherings on December 31, 1862, also known as "Freedom's Eve."   On that night, Americans of African descent came together in churches, gathering places and private homes throughout the nation, anxiously awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation had become law.  Then, at the stroke of midnight, it was  January 1, 1863, and according to Lincoln's promise, all slaves in the Confederate States were legally free.   People remained in churches and other gathering places, eagerly awaiting word that Emancipation had been declared.  When the actual news of freedom was received later that day, there were prayers, shouts and  songs of joy as people fell to their knees and thanked God.  Click Here for Full Story