On Jan. 1, 1863, President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing an estimated 500,000 slaves, changing the course of the Civil War, and revolutionizing America.

In honor of the 150^th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation – which called for the abolition of slavery in 1862, the Freedom 2013 Conversation, Commendation, Celebration, Commemoration Conference will celebrate the historic moment with an all-day symposium, rally and gospel concert.

The event is spearheaded by Rev. Dennis Dillon, publisher of the New York Christian Times, visionary and chief researcher behind the ground breaking New York Economic State of Black New York, in partnership with Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, national civic leader, chief architect of The Maafa and pastor of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church.

Over 100 convening clergy will be present at the conference on Wednesday, June 19^th, at The Riverside Baptist Church, 490 Riverside Drive, in Harlem.

Freedom 2013 will commemorate this historical moment with a time-lined exhibition tracing the journey from Africa through slavery leading up to the emancipation and from the emancipation to present.

There will also be an Emancipation Awards Luncheon honoring those unsung heroes, shereos and institutions that have played a significant role in the passage of the proclamation as well as those who contributed to the 13^th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

In addition, Freedom 2013 will present "The Way Foreword: Business, Church & Community Impact Conference,” a one-day informational session linking international, national and statewide businesses, not-for-profits, churches, corporations and government agencies together.

It will also provide key information on business development and expansion, national and international tourism, trade and foreign investment.

Freedom 2013 will also include a variety of exhibiting businesses offering information on various topics and provide a variety of workshops addressing unemployment and job training. There will be numerous financial counselors on hand providing solutions and strategies to avoid foreclosure.

"Given the economic circumstances of our communities and race, the great disparity gap in wealth and entrepreneurship, health and education, there is an urgently pressing need for assessment, evaluation and redirection,” sated Rev. Dillon, known in New York circles as the economic pastor.

Freedom 2013 kicks off at noon with the Freedom 2013 Job Fair where numerous employers from a wide spectrum of industries will be on hand to speak with job seekers, and offer job training and apprenticeships opportunities for misplaced workers. "The Situation Room,” where home loan officers, financial advisers, and credit counselors, will provide expert counseling and solutions to help homeowners keep and maintain their homes.

The evening will end with a Challenge and Celebration featuring music performance by actress gospel singer Tamela Mann.