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. Continue reading 5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Kariem Abdul Haqq, author of The 13th Amendment Freedom Week Manual →