"Black History in Focus: April 16-22, 2025 Highlights"

APRIL 16th In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln enacted legislation abolishing slavery in Washington, D.C. Although it was a pivotal moment, the Emancipation Proclamation issued months later had limited immediate effects, primarily targeting Southern slaves beyond Lincoln's reach. Fast forward to 1929, the remarkable Roy Hamilton emerged in Leesburg, Georgia, renowned for his baritone, delivering hits like “Unchained Melody.” In 1947, basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, born Lewis Alcindor in New York City, began his journey to becoming a towering force in sports.