Emancipation Day

Exactly 175 years ago today, all the slaves in the british colonies were liberated marking the beginning of an annual celebration which would  cross over boundaries of nations and cultures - Emancipation Day it was called. Even in America which still held over 4 million slaves, this celebration,  charged with the yearning of the millions of slaves and abolitionists, was a spark of light in the push for America to TRULY be the land of the free. Finally the emancipation was signed by Abraham Lincoln which marked the first step toward American freedom from slavery which wasn’t fully realized until the signing of the 13th amendment 3 years later.

Today I started the Run 4 The Rescue in the shadow of the Lincoln Memorial, with an amazing line up of people who have dedicated their lives to bring freedom to people around the world.

Kenneth Morris- great, great, great, grandson of Frederick Douglass and founder of the Frederick Douglass Family Foundation.

Marcia Dyson - Hailed as one of Americas most formost spiritual writers and a  human rights activists whose compassion spans the globe in causes from Modern day slavery to the environment.

Carmen Morris - The visionary leader who founded the Sanctuary of Moses to bring educational opportunities to the children of Benin, Africa and help them ecape the risks that would make them prime targets for human trafficking.

here are my 5 lessons for the day:

1. This was told to me by one of the gangster looking guys in a rough part of town - "Be safe"
2. You’re welcome to look away in embarrassment from me while I run in chains(of course that’s for those who think I’m crazy or something), but I’m embarrassed for all those who look away from the cause of modern slavery.
3. switching gear at the last minute can lead to some uncomfortable situations…
4. While two guys I met were arguing about Booker T Washington and FRederick Douglass having diametrically opposite beliefs in some aspects of the best future for Black america, I couldn’t help but chuckle that this didn’t stop their offspring from finding common ground enough to get married and bring about the fabulous life known as Kenneth B Morris Jr. The point is that celebrating unity is way more wonderful than squabbling over differences.
5. Thank People. I feel such gratitude for all those who have or are helping me, praying for me, and supporting me in this labor or love. Thanks to all of you!

Eric