1828 Jubilee
Jubilee
An announcement was made on July 4, 1827 that there was to be a jubilee celebrating the emancipation of domestic slavery a year later on July 4, 1828. Following the laws of gradual manumission for New York state, emancipation would finally be enforced by 1828. In response, the jubilee was to celebrate freedom on the 4th of July, 1828.
Transcription:
July 4th 1827. - Jubilee form Domestic Slavery.
Meeting of the People of Colour. - Agreeably to public notice a very large and respectable number of the People of Colour met in the Mutual Relief Hall, in Orange street, April 23d, 1827, to take into consideration the best plan for commemorating the important event of the Abolition of Domestic Slavery in this State.
Mr. William Hamilton was called to the Chair, and Thomas L. Jennings appointed Secretary.
The object of the Meeting having been stated by Mr. Jennings, the following resolutions were adopted :
Whereas by a law of this State, passed the 31st of March, 1817, all slaves born between the 4th of July, 1799, and the 31st of March 1817 shall become free, the males at 28, and females at 25 years old, and all slaves born after the 31st of March, 1817, shall be free at 21 years old, and also all slaves born before the 4th day of July, 1799 shall be free on the 4th day of July, 1827; - and whereas an event so auspicious to the elevation of our people ought to be publicly noticed in a becoming manner - Therefore,
Resolved, That we will celebrate the 4th day of July next, as a Jubilee of emancipation from Domestic Slavery.
Resolved, That the different religious congregations of the People of Colour, be recomended [sic] to have prayers and thanksgivings in their different churches on the morning of the 4th day of July next; and that we also have an Oration on that day by a suitable person to be [cannot read] appointed.
Resolved, That in order to carry the foregoing resolve into effect, there be appointed a committee of seven persons to select a suitable person to address us on the 4th July next, and also to make suitable arrangements for celebrating that day.
Resolved That the chairman nominate the said committee, which being carried, - John Marander, Thomas L. Jinnings, Thomas Sipkins, John Robertson, William Miller, Henry Scott, & Moses Blue were nominated and approved of by the meeting.
Resolved, That the object of our celebrating the 4th day of July, being to express out gratitude for the benefits conferred on us by the honorable Legislature of the state of New York, we shall do no act that may have the least tendency to disorder; we will abstain from all possessions in the public streets on that day.
Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting signed by the Chairman and Secretary, be published in the Freedom’s Journal.
W. HAMILTON, Chairman.
T.L. Jennings, Secretary.
Agreeably to the above resolutions, there will be an address delivered in the African Zion Church, corner of Church and Leonard sts. on the 4th day of July inst., service will commence at half past 1 o’clock.
JOHN MARANDER, Chairman.