RWWL HEAD OF ARCHIVES RECEIVES MAJOR RICHARD R. WRIGHT AWARD

Karen L. Jefferson, Head of Archives & Special Collections, received the Major Richard R. Wright Award from the National Freedom Day Association in Philadelphia, PA. The award, given for exceptional leadership and devoted service in the honoree's chosen profession, was presented at the annual National Freedom Day Luncheon held on February 1. National Freedom Day commemorates the 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution that abolished slavery in the United States. The amendment was passed December 6, 1865. (Note: the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 freed slaves only in the non-seceding states.)

Major Richard R. Wright initiated the celebration of National Freedom Day which began in 1941. President Harry S. Truman signed the bill proclaiming February 1st as National Freedom Day in 1947. The annual observance promotes the re-dedication of our nation to the ideals of freedom, goodwill and harmonious cooperation among all U.S. citizens. This year marks the 63rd celebration of National Freedom Day. Ceremonial events include placing a wreath before the Liberty Bell, presenting college scholarships to high schools students, and recognizing the persons selected to receive community service and professional service awards.

Ms. Jefferson stated that "I have been associated with the National Freedom Day Association since my first years working as an archivist at Howard University where the Association records are housed.” She continues to provide assistance to the Association by helping to preserve and promote the historical records of the Wright and Crogman families.

The Robert W. Woodruff Library has a small collection of materials on William H. Crogman, who was the first African American President of Clark College. Richard Robert Wright Sr. and William Crogman were members of the first graduating class of Atlanta University in 1876. The Crogman and Wright families became related upon the marriage of Charlotte Crogman (William's daughter) to Richard R. Wright Jr.

For more information on Wright and Crogman see entries in the Dictionary of American Negro Biography.
William H. Crogman
Richard Robert Wright