By Chelsea Vance
The Selma Times-Journal

Many gathered Friday to recognize the 153rd anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. 

There were about 60 people who were in attendance of the annual ceremony held at House of Prayer Church. It included musical selections, poetry, skits and a message from keynote speaker Dr. Robert White.

White is the department chair of African-American studies at Alabama State University. He brought a history-based message to the audience that suggested more reading of African-American history and getting in touch with self and God.

“I feel humbled and I feel very entitled and enlightened to do this and I thank God and I thank the committee for allowing me to come and to share my information with them,” White said.

He was asked to return back for next years program as the keynote speaker by a unanimous vote of the Emancipation Proclamation Committee.

Mr. Frederick D. Reese and his wife Alline Reese were honorees for the work that they have diligently done for the rights of African-Americans.

“I just thank God for all that he has done for us. For bringing us from nowhere to somewhere and allowing us to be here today,” Frederick said. “We give all of the grace and thanks to the almighty God.”

Mrs. Reese said that her and her husband makes it a point to remain humble regardless of how many times they have been honored.

“I have never gotten overexcited about being honored, but it is just wonderful for people to recognize you. It’s wonderful because he (Mr. Reese) definitely deserves it,” Alline said.