JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Kariem Abdul Haqq, author of The 13th Amendment Freedom Week Manual

The 13th Amendment Freedom Week Movement is an effort to commemorate, celebrate and mark December 6th as the first time all Americans were free in the United States of America. The ratification of the 13th Amendment on this day, in the year of 1865, marked this historical event.

This book will give Americans an opportunity to celebrate freedom in addition to celebrating independence; independence and freedom are similar but not necessarily the same. If a people have both then that is great, and they are truly blessed. It is possible to have both, but most people have only one or neither.

This Movement is to focus on freedom! It is based upon the 13th Amendment, which legally and permanently ended slavery in this country for blacks who, up to this time, were still legally enslaved. At the same time, the 13th Amendment ushered in freedom with all of its unlimited possibilities.

Being a Constitutional amendment, the 13th Amendment carried far more weight and power than just a Presidential edict, decree or proclamation which could as easily be changed or altered by any succeeding President – one man.

The 13th Amendment Freedom Week will also help to unite and heal the country, in terms of racism, because both black and white can share in its existence and purpose. It was put into the Constitution by white men for black people. As a result, all can be proud and identify with it; and all can share in its success.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write The 13th Amendment Freedom Week Manual?

Kariem Abdul Haqq: I came to the realization that many black Americans, and it continues to happen with our youth, do not understand the principles of freedom. Most do not understand the importance of limited government, the free market and personal responsibility. Most do not know about or understand the 13th , 14th, and 15th Amendments and how they relate to them individually, or as a race; neither do they know about or understand their significance to America, or the general population as a whole.

I saw that the way black history was being presented left a bitter, angry and almost hateful attitude in many blacks. It was instilling in them a victimization mentality, which is counter-productive in the long run.

JP: What makes the 13th Amendment directly relevant to America’s prominence globally right here and right now?

KH: After the Civil War, the 13th, as well as the 14th and 15th Amendments were put into the Constitution by white Republicans for black people. The 13th gave blacks freedom; the 14th gave blacks citizenship and because of the “due process clause” helped to stop the KKK from terrorizing blacks and lynching them without trials; the 15th Amendment gave blacks a right to vote.

Most blacks do not know anything about these amendments, But, in my opinion, they need to know about them simply because they had a great impact on the lives of black Americans. Blacks are studying black history, but do not know how the Constitution was amended to give them freedom, citizenship and voting rights.

Because they do not see this simple connection, blacks seem to feel more and more alienated from their Constitution and from their country.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to The 13th Amendment Freedom Week Manual getting out to the public?

KH: I was simply searching for the truth from all sources. I was looking for solutions and not rhetoric. I stopped looking at, studying and following individuals (personalities), and started looking at and studying “systems”, especially economic systems. I gained a better appreciation for my country and learned to love the freedoms that we have and the success that we have.

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish The 13th Amendment Freedom Week Manual?

KH: I try to write in chronological order and as simple as possible. I want people to understand what I am writing and to see both sides of the issues. I look for principles, truths and ideas that are timeless, not just contemporary or faddish. I try to make things clear when I can and use a reasonable amount of documentation. It took me about three years to complete the book.

JP: What’s next for Kariem Abdul Haqq?

HK: I plan to write about the black socialists/communist in America, and their impact or influence on the black masses.

http://www.13thamendmentfreedomweek.com/
facebook: 13th Amendment Freedom Week Movement

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