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Title: Pacific Appeal - May 2, 1863

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Pacific Appeal (1862 - 188?)

The writer addresses the question of whether African Americans should celebrate the July 4th holiday since it doesn't really mark their freedom like it does for white Americans. He suggests that from now on the celebration of the emancipation of the British West Indies (usually celebrated on August 1st) be celebrated on July 4th. This way, the Fourth of July could truly be a national holiday giving all Americans a way to celebrate freedom.

Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page

Subjects: Abolitionists--United States; African American abolitionists; Antislavery movements--United States; Slavery; United States--History--19th century

Keywords: celebration; Declaration of Independence; Emancipation Proclamation; holiday; independence; July 4th

People: Jefferson, Thomas; Lincoln, Abraham; Washington, George

Publication type: editorials; Newspapers

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