New Dawn

The Path to Abolition and the Meaning of Emancipation

Voices for Freedom

Founder of The Liberator, he called for the immediate end of slavery.

"I will be heard!"

An escaped man whose speeches proved the inhumanity of the "peculiar institution."

"Truth shall make you free."

A former enslaved woman who fought for abolition and women's suffrage.

"Ain't I a woman?"

January 1, 1863

President Lincoln declared that "all persons held as slaves" within rebellious states "are, and henceforward shall be free."

To weaken the South and shift the war's focus to human rights.

It did not apply to enslaved people in loyal Border States.

1865

"Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude... shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction."

This amendment constitutionally abolished slavery across the entire nation.

Emancipation was a moment of joy, but legal freedom did not immediately mean social or economic equality.

Reconnecting with family members sold away during the trade.

The start of a long fight for political representation.

Building schools and universities to educate a new generation.