On July 5, 1827, thousands celebrated abolition of slavery in NYS with parade in downtown Manhattan. Although lawmakers actually outlawed slavery previous day, celebrations were held off until next day not to conflict with Independence Day.

"The rights of mankind and the freedom of America will have numbers sufficient to support them without resorting to such wretched assistance." -George Washington/Great irony: one man closest to the General is a Black man, his slave Billy Lee.

On July 5, 1827, thousands celebrated abolition of slavery in NYS with parade in downtown Manhattan. Although lawmakers actually outlawed slavery previous day, celebrations were held off until next day not to conflict with Independence Day.

"The rights of mankind and the freedom of America will have numbers sufficient to support them without resorting to such wretched assistance." -George Washington/Great irony: one man closest to the General is a Black man, his slave Billy Lee.

This is not just a 'sports story'; an American story of racism against Black athletes mixed with religion & big money. “We are less than human, traded & drafted like our ancestors; public views this as sport, same attitude as slavery era."

On July 5, 1827, thousands celebrated abolition of slavery in NYS with parade in downtown Manhattan. Although lawmakers actually outlawed slavery previous day, celebrations were held off until next day not to conflict with Independence Day.

The history of felony disenfranchisement laws stinks. In the South to keep blacks from voting. Harmless acts like quitting a job, being unemployed or simply congregating allowed blacks to be arrested/convicted/stripped of their right to vote

Willie Lynch wrote this letter in 1712. He was a slave owner. The letter is presented here without editorial comment by me. I think the letter speaks for itself.