Civil Rights

On January 16, 1786, Virginia enacted Thomas Jefferson’s Statute for Religious Freedom. It was one of the most important laws ever passed by the Virginia Assembly, provided inspiration for the Bill of Rights, and was one of the achievements of which Jefferson was most proud.

On December 27, 1980, the USPS issued the first stamp in the Great Americans Series, which would go on to become the longest-running US definitive series.

On December 26, 1966, Maulana Karenga celebrated the first Kwanzaa. With its fusion of ancient African practices and African-American ideals and aspirations, Kwanzaa is a non-denominational celebration.

Fiorello La Guardia, was born December 11, 1882, in Greenwich Village, New York. He was voted the best former mayor in America for his 12 years of leadership of New York City.

Civil War surgeon Mary Edwards Walker was born on November 26, 1832, in Oswego, New York, about 40 miles from Mystic’s home in Camden. She was the Army’s first female surgeon and earned the Medal of Honor for her work during the Civil War.

While Scott Joplin’s exact birthdate is unknown, it’s often considered to be November 24, 1868, as shown on his tombstone.  Joplin was dubbed the “King of Ragtime Writers,” known for hits such as “Maple Leaf Rag” and “The Entertainer.”

Félix Varela y Morales was born on November 20, 1788, in Havana, Cuba.  A priest and teacher, he spent his life helping the poor and sic

Civil Rights activist Roy Ottoway Wilkins was born on August 30, 1901, in St. Louis, Missouri. He was a leader in the Civil Rights movement and a major figure in the NAACP for over 20 years.

Lena Mary Calhoun Horne was born on June 30, 1917, in New York City, New York.  Horne was one of the great icons of the 20th century.  She spent over 70 years in the entertainment industry as an actress and jazz singer and was also an acclaimed civil rights activist.