Mark the Day, Then Get to Work

Let the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation be a reminder of how much the specter of slavery still hangs over this nation, from the inequality that drives poverty and violence, through the mindless hatred of racism,  to the small-state tyranny that handicaps Congress.

Elizabeth Kramer at the Courier:

A chorus of men sang hymns and preachers from throughout Louisville’s African-American community spoke of the a continuing struggle for freedom at St. Stephen Baptist Church to celebrate the anniversary of Emancipation Proclamation, which President Lincoln signed on Jan. 1, 1863.

The worship service organized by Interdenominational Ministerial Coalition is held every year at black churches throughout the community to honor the date that, in the midst of the civil War, the President Lincoln declared slaves to be free.


Several of the few hundred people in the church at 1018 S.15th St., cried out during a rousing sermon from Rev. Russell Awkard, pastor of New Zion Baptist Church, when he decried “the absence of compassionate concern that is a cancer on our communities.”


Awkard talked about the recent political campaign season and the prevailing discussions about the fate of the middle class in this country and little discussion about the poor.