The Black Revolution Begins‼️

It was a Wednesday like none other. The date of February 1, 1865, when then President Abraham Lincoln approved the Joint Resolution of Congress submitting The 13th amendment to the Constitution of these States United. It provides the following.....

"Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction."

The necessary number of states were required to ratify the constitution which was completed by December 6, 1865. Nonetheless, Wednesday February One, became National Freedom Day. But was the world really free? Or was this just the frame work, the laying of the foundation which one day we could mount freedom on?

Then President Abraham Lincoln, who’s imagine, proverbial, and dare I say spiritually moral presence still rests in the heart of this our democracy, had to know once he returned the ink stick to its holder, that ultimate sign of progression had begin, but had a long way to go.

As I sit here, I think, better yet, I wonder, because its humanly impossible to know, what Henry Bacon was thinking? That day he went to his New York architectural office to begin designing the Lincoln Memorial. Why was the west end of the National Mall selected to be neoclassical tribute to the 16th President of the United States? What was all involved thinking during the eight years [1914-1922] it took to complete?

Then we come to nineteen-foot tall statue of Abraham Lincoln which emerged from the design of Massachusetts sculptor Daniel Chester French whose attention to detail, accuracy, and composition created a masterpiece. French devoted considerable effort toward depicting Lincoln during the midst of war. He viewed photographs, read eyewitness descriptions, and studied Leonard Volk’s 1860 castings of Lincoln’s hands, then sculpted several models until he rendered a perfected final product.

I wanna go back soon, just to climb the marble steps, passing marble columns, entering the chamber coming face to face with Mr. Lincoln. Will I see what many historians, and arguably Mr. Chester wanted me to see? When I see his face? Gazing into that serious look on Lincoln’s face, will it remind me of the critical time during the Civil War through which the president guided our nation?..OR.. Maybe the reeds wrapped together in the arms of Lincoln’s chair will prompt the ME to remember the way that Lincoln wanted to keep us bound together as one nation?...OR... maybe his sitting there is a sign that he’s still watching, waiting, for the day his work is once and for all completed?

Carl August Sandburg (January 6, 1878 – July 22, 1967) was a Swedish-American poet, biographer, journalist, and editor. Sandburg was widely regarded as

"a major figure in contemporary literature"

especially for volumes of his collected verse, including Chicago Poems (1916), Cornhuskers (1918), and Smoke and Steel (1920).

It then President Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) August 27, 1908 – January 22, 1973), often referred to by his initials LBJ, was an American politician who served as the 36th president of the United States from 1963 to 1969, and previously as 37th vice president from 1961 to 1963. He assumed the presidency following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. On one occasion during his presidency, he observed that...

"Carl Sandburg was more than the voice of America, more than the poet of its strength and genius. He was America."

That said it was Mr. Sandburg who described Mr. Lincoln as someone made up of both

“steel and velvet.”

Daniel Chester French seemed have the same idea, which creating the sculpture. Lincoln’s left hand, clenched as if to symbolize determination. Lincoln would without fail win the civil war; then there is Lincoln’s right hand, open and relaxed, symbolizing how Lincoln wanted to bring the Southern states back into the Union in a peaceful way without looking for revenge.

This brings us to artist Jules Guerin, St Louis, Missouri native, born a year after the end of the Civil War. Guerin to decorated the interior with two canvas murals, each 60 feet long by 12 feet high, and weighing 600 pounds. They visually symbolize the resounding principles of Abraham Lincoln, emphasizing his two great accomplishments —Emancipation and Unity.

“Emancipation”, above the Gettysburg Address on the south wall, represents Freedom and Liberty. The central panel shows the Angel of Truth releasing slaves from the shackles of bondage. The left panel of the mural represents Justice and Law. The right panel represents Immortality. Surrounding the central figure are Faith, Hope, and Charity.

“Unity”, above the Second Inaugural Address on the north wall features the Angel of Truth joining the hands of two figures representing the North and South. Her protective wings cradle the arts of Painting, Philosophy, Music, Architecture, Chemistry, Literature, and Sculpture. Emerging from behind the music figure is a veiled image of the Future.

So as we focus on the future? As we gaze into the barrel of the second installment of what brought this giant to our attention. May we not end this moment in the same fashion. May we find away to understand the struggles of all, also giving heart to their hopes, dreams, and fears. May our fist clinch with tenacity, while simultaneously open to embracing the heart of all mankind.

Until the Next Time We can Chat.. FROM ME AND MINE, UNTO YOU AND YOURS‼️

LATTERZ➖❤️EDB