This work shares about Sojourner Truth with annotation with history all throughout of Black people deep struggle to become free legally and break oppression and the vile human right abuses that occured. The abolition of slavery in the United States occurred with the ratification of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution on December 6, 1865. The amendment states:
"Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction."
This amendment marked the official end of legalized slavery in the United States. It was a significant milestone in the broader movement to abolish slavery, which had been a contentious issue throughout the country's history.
The 13th Amendment was passed by Congress on January 31, 1865, and then submitted to the states for ratification. It was ratified by the required number of states, and Secretary of State William H. Seward officially proclaimed its adoption on December 18, 1865.
While the 13th Amendment legally ended slavery, it is important to note that the struggle for civil rights and equality for African Americans continued for many years. The period following the Civil War, known as Reconstruction, brought about significant social, political, and economic changes, but it was also marked by challenges such as the rise of discriminatory Jim Crow laws in the Southern states.
The abolition of slavery is a crucial chapter in American history, representing a significant step toward recognizing the principles of freedom, equality, and human rights. The legacy of slavery, however, has had lasting effects on the United States, contributing to ongoing discussions about systemic racism, social justice, and the need for continued efforts to address historical injustices.