Freedom Calendar 08/25/07 - 09/01/07

August 25, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln authorizes enlistment of African-American soldiers in U.S. Army.

August 26, 1820, Birth of Republican anti-slavery activist James Harlan, U.S. Senator from Iowa, whose statue is in U.S. Capitol.

August 27, 1809, Birth of Hannibal Hamlin (R-ME), first Republican elected Vice President of the United States; instrumental in passage of anti-slavery Wilmot Proviso.

August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King delivers “I Have a Dream” speech in front of memorial dedicated to Republican President Abraham Lincoln.

August 29, 1989, U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) becomes first Hispanic woman and first Cuban-American in Congress.

August 30, 1890, Republican President Benjamin Harrison signs legislation by U.S. Senator Justin Morrill (R-VT) making African-Americans eligible for land-grant colleges in the South.

August 31, 1823, Birth of Speaker of the House Galusha Grow (R-PA); secured passage of Homestead Act, providing free land to settlers and ending plans of Democrats to open western lands to slave plantations.

September 1, 1975, Gen. Daniel James receives fourth star from Republican President Gerald Ford; first African-American to hold that rank in U.S. Air Force.

"For 150 years, Republicans have worked to secure the civil rights of African-Americans, Hispanics, Asian-Americans, and every individual from every background and walk of life. We believe that every person contributes to America's rich cultural heritage. Americans of all races and creeds share the Republican commitment to creating job opportunities for all, giving children equal access to a quality education, and strengthening families and faith. This is the Republican agenda; this is the American agenda"

U.S. Rep. Dennis Hastert (R-IL) Speaker of the House

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