(Photo: US Postal Service)

On March 25 of every year, the United Nations observes International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The day honors the lives of those who died as a result of slavery or experienced the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade. The U.N. also uses the opporunity to raise awareness about the dangers of racism and prejudice.
"All people deserve to live in peace and dignity, free from captivity, exploitation and abuse. Today, we recommit ourselves to the critical work of combating slavery’s enduring consequences and rededicate ourselves to ending slavery anywhere and advancing freedom everywhere," U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice said Monday.
This year's theme, “Forever Free: Celebrating Emancipation,” pays tribute to the emancipation of slaves in nations across the world. In the United States, 2013 marks the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that, on 1 January 1863, all persons held as slaves within any States, or designated part of the State, the people whereof shall be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.

In honor of our ancestors, take our quiz and test your knowledge of this important piece of American history.

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