The tradition of Watch Night services in the United States dates back to Dec. 31, 1862, when many Black Americans gathered in churches and other venues, waiting for President Abraham Lincoln to sign the Emancipation Proclamation into law, and thus free those still enslaved in the Confederacy.
The Black American tradition of spending New Year’s Eve in prayer and fellowship dates all the way back to the Civil War. It’s deeply rooted in the long-awaited dawn of freedom for enslaved Africans and their hopes for the future.
As we wrap up Kwanzaa and prepare to embark on a new year, the history and traditions of New Year’s […] The post Celebrating New Year’s and the spirit of Kwanzaa: A meditation on aligning our divine purpose appeared first on TheGrio.
"Traditionally, Hoppin' John consists of black-eyed peas, rice, red peppers, and salt pork, and it is believed to bring good fortune to those who eat it," the museum says.
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