books.google.com - With the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade in 1808, many African Americans began calling for "a day of publick thanksgiving" to commemorate this important step toward freedom. During the ensuing century, black leaders built on this foundation and constructed a distinctive and vibrant tradition...http://books.google.com/books/about/Festivals_of_Freedom.html?id=Nwqt_ukjpFQC&utm_source=gb-gplus-shareFestivals of Freedom
