February 12 is a pivotal date that ushered in a new era for black history in America.
By Adoria Doucette
February 12 marks the founding of the NAACP as well as being the first time an African American spoke in the Capitol. (Public Domain Photo)
Today at Georgetown University FBI Director James Corney gave a major address about race relations in the United States. Last year was a turbulent one, as the issue of race was thrust to the national spotlight. Corney will no doubt lay the groundwork for further progress towards ensuring that equal rights can be enforced for all Americans.
This message, and the timing of the message, is critical. On this day 106 years ago, the NAACP was founded to address major racial friction that had occurred the year before. The goal of the new organization was to work to ensure the rights of the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments to the Constitution became a reality. The first meeting of the NAACP on February 12 was designed to coincide with the birth date of Abraham Lincoln, as the new NAACP was dedicated to work tirelessly and consistently to make America’s reality coincide with the high standards of the Constitution.
Henry Highland Garnet was the first African American to speak in the United States Capitol on February 12, 1865. (Public Domain Photo)
February 12th also marks a historic first in our nation’s capital, as this day in 1865 marked the first time an African American spoke in the United States Capitol. After the 13th Amendment was passed by Congress in January of 1865, the Chaplain of the United States House of Representatives invited prominent Washington D.C. resident Henry Highland Garnett to address a group of worshipers in the Capitol about the future of the African American contribution to America after the newly abolished institution of slavery. This address was monumental for its significance and should be remembered for the foundation it created in African Americans contributing to federal government under the dome of the Capitol, which itself was constructed by African Americans.
From Mr. Garnett speaking in the Capital after Abraham Lincoln’s monumental crafting of the 13th amendment, to the NAACP starting its mission 100 years after Lincoln’s birth, Power Source commemorates February 12 as a fulcrum point for black history in America.
Power Source is an insider’s view of power networks and activities that contribute to the continued dominance of our nation’s ideals, institutions and individuals. Ms. Doucette has privately orchestrated projects for the world’s most influential individuals, celebrated personalities, and corporations. Based in Washington D.C., Ms. Doucette is a proud native of New Orleans, Louisiana. She can be reached at: adoria@thepowersourcedc.com
