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The History of the Jubilee

Jubilee Called the True ‘Independence Day’ for Blacks : Celebrations: Event marks the signing that ended slavery. NAACP leader says the document of 1776 ‘didn’t have our name on it.’

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., executive director of the NAACP, which created the holiday nearly 30 years ago, hammered home that point Sunday as he spoke to a group of about 75 people who attended the 15th annual Jubilee Day celebration at the Greater Community Missionary Baptist Church.

“It is our Declaration of Independence,” said Chavis. “The one done up in 1776 didn’t have our name on it,” he said.

For community activist Ted Minor, such celebrations are instrumental in instilling pride among a people whose contributions have been largely ignored in the nation’s history books.