Savannah State University’s Wright Choice Initiative, a Title III-funded mentoring program, is organizing National Freedom Day observances on February 1 and 2. Richard R. Wright, Sr., SSU’s first president, is considered the architect of National Freedom Day, established to commemorate the signing of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery in the United States. A proclamation naming February 1 National Freedom Day was signed by President Truman in 1948.

Rev. William Lamar IV, pastor of Metropolitan AMEC in Washington, D.C., and former managing director of Leadership Education at Duke University Divinity School will speak Thursday, February 1, 11 a.m., King-Frazier ballroom. Following the speech, the student essay contest award winners will be announced and a wreath-laying ceremony will be led by Lilly Leota, the great-great-great granddaughter of Wright.

Amir Toure, JD, part-time faculty in Africana Studies at SSU, will lead a one-hour history tour on campus, February 2, noon, to begin at the gazebo.

All events are free and open to the public.

Born into slavery in 1855 near Dalton, Ga., Wright’s career accomplishments included being an American military officer, newspaper editor, high school principal, civil rights advocate and banking entrepreneur. Wright served as president of SSU from 1891 – 1921.