December 31 in American History
On New Year's Eve, enslaved and free Black Americans gathered in churches to wait and pray through the night — because at midnight, the Emancipation Proclamation would take effect. "Watch Night" services are still held on December 31 in many congregations, remembering the night freedom was counted down to.
In 1862: "Watch Night" before Emancipation. On New Year's Eve, enslaved and free Black Americans gathered in churches to wait and pray through the night — because at midnight, the Emancipation Proclamation would take effect.
On New Year's Eve, enslaved and free Black Americans gathered in churches to wait and pray through the night — because at midnight, the Emancipation Proclamation would take effect. "Watch Night" services are still held on December 31 in many congregations, remembering the night freedom was counted down to.
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