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Deacon James E. Deen was the keynote speaker during the Emancipation Proclamation Celebration.
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Jailah Young reads The Emancipation Proclamation during the Emancipation Proclamation Celebration at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Friday.
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Fighting for Freedom
VALDOSTA — Going from disgrace to dignity was the message of keynote speaker, Deacon James E. Deen, during the Emancipation Proclamation Celebration at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Friday.
During his address Deen focused on the progress black people have made since slavery, while reminding everyone of the “inhumane” treatment blacks suffered during slavery.
“Nonetheless, we chose to rise from disgrace,” Deen said. “One day, America looked up and saw us (black people) standing in the Supreme Court...” Deen went on to mention other accomplishments blacks have made.
An Alma native, Deen has served as a teacher, principal and assistant superintendent in Bacon County. He was also mayor of Alma for three terms.
Deen is currently the state president of the Laymen of Georgia and attends First African Baptist Church in Alma.
In addition to Deen’s speech, the celebration included music by the Alma Male Choir, a praise dance by the Irvin Hill Missionary Baptist Church Praise Team and several literature readings.
The Emancipation Proclamation was read by Jailah Young.
The Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln on Jan. 1, 1863. The proclamation declared the freedom of all slaves in any confederate state that did not return to Union control.
The Emancipation Proclamation Celebration is one of several events organized by members of the Martin Luther King Commemoration Association throughout January. Other events include a founders’ banquet, a march, a youth program and a dedication ceremony at the recently completed Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park.
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