Topically Yours Rev. Dennis Dillon(Emancipation Proclamation

Deardra Shuler talks to Rev. Dennis Dillion about Freedom 2013: Emancipation Proclamation 150th Celebration. The Emancipation Proclamation called for the abolishment of slavery and was by far one of the most defining moments in American history. Signed into order September 22, 1862, by President Abraham Lincoln the document freed African and mixed race slaves.  It also provided liberties for them to defend themselves and join the military. History has shown freedom came at a high price. 150 years later, African Americans still contend with racial profiling, unbalanced scales of wealth, escalating foreclosures that cripple communities while ushering in gentrification.  A new paradigm is needed to tip the scales towards equality and inclusion.

In honor of the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, the Freedom 2013 Conference will celebrate the historic moment with an all-day symposium, rally and gospel concert featuring Tamela Mann.

The event is spearheaded by Rev. Dennis Dillon, publisher of the New York Christian Times.  A visionary and chief researcher behind the ground breaking New York Economic State of Black New York, in partnership with Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, national civic leader, chief architect of The Maafa and pastor of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, as well as over 100 convening clergy, takes place Wednesday, June 19, at The Riverside Baptist Church, 490 Riverside Drive, in Harlem.

Freedom 2013 will commemorate this historical moment with a time-lined exhibition tracing the journey from Africa through slavery leading up to the emancipation and from the emancipation to present. There will also be an Emancipation Awards Luncheon honoring those unsung heroes, shereos (some posthumously), and institutions that have played a significant role towards the passage of the signing of the emancipation.