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 celebrated the historic moment with an all-day symposium, rally and gospel concert Wednesday, June 19 at The Riverside Baptist Church, 490 Riverside Drive, in Harlem.

The event was 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 were present at the conference. Here are some highlights.