By Kendall Black, The Portland Medium
Dr. Carl Mack, former president of the Seattle King County NAACP, is urging Black Americans to celebrate December 6 as Black Freedom and Economic Day. Highlighting the historical significance of this date, Dr. Mack is calling for Black America to recognize and observe the day by exclusively supporting Black-owned businesses as a symbol of economic solidarity.
“December 6, 1865, is the day Georgia ratified the 13th Amendment, making slavery illegal in the United States,” explains Mack. “It is a pivotal moment in our history that deserves recognition and reverence.”
The 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery nationwide, required ratification by 27 of the 36 states in the Union at the time. Congress passed the proposal on January 31, 1865, but it wasn’t until Georgia’s ratification on December 6 that the amendment was officially adopted. Dr. Mack stresses that this date, not June 19, 1865—commonly celebrated as Juneteenth—marks the actual end of slavery in America.
“Between June 19 and December 6, 1865, there were at least 225,000 Black people enslaved in Kentucky alone. Chattel slavery was still LEGAL and practiced in Delaware and Kentucky until December 6,” noted Mack.
While acknowledging the intent behind Juneteenth celebrations, Mack is also calling for historical accuracy regarding the date that actually ended slavery in America.
“America would never allow anyone to designate July 3rd as Independence Day. Not one person reading this article would accept any day other than their birthday as fact. So why should we accept what is a BOLD, now popular, historical error in the spirit of acknowledging America’s Original Sin?” says Mack.
In an effort to provide an economic stimulus within the Black community, Mack is encouraging people to turn December 6 into a meaningful day of action by spending money exclusively with Black-owned businesses.
“Given December 6 is in the heart of the holiday season, to ask our community to celebrate by shopping with Black-owned businesses on this day helps us HELP US!” says Mack.
Drawing comparisons to other commemorative milestones, such as the Fourth of July and Women’s Equality Day, Dr. Mack highlights the importance of claiming a historically significant date to honor the end of slavery.
“February became Black History Month because Dr. Carter G. Woodson wanted us to study and learn about us. He started his effort in 1926, choosing the 2nd week in February in honor of two men, Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and Frederick Douglass (February 14). That week grew into a Month. Our efforts can grow as well,” Mack said.
Addressing the broader challenges of historical awareness, Mack critiques the failure to properly teach Black history.
“I understand the shame America has about her Original Sin, which is, in part, why the Black Experience, aka, Black History, is not taught in schools today. There is a price for our ignorance,” he said. Quoting Benjamin Franklin, Dr. Mack added, “The only thing more expensive than education is ignorance.”
Dr. Mack’s appeal is a call to action, combining remembrance with self-reliance.
“Out of respect for my ancestors—all my ancestors—remembrance, honor, and history is loudly calling upon you, in the words of Spike Lee too, Do The Right Thing!” say Mack.
