President Abraham Lincoln is seen presenting the Emancipation Proclamation to members of his Cabinet. (Photo courtesy Marion Doss/flickr)
By Metro News Service
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois is commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the 13th amendment, which abolished slavery in America.
The state has actually secured a major spot in history as it relates to freedom. President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation and managed to get the 13th Amendment through Congress almost two years later, ending slavery on Jan. 31, 1865.
The Illinois Legislature jumped right on board and became the first to ratify the amendment. Plus, the nation's first black president, Barack Obama, is of course from Illinois.
