December 31st 2023.
Watch Night is a special tradition steeped in history and celebrated by the Black American community. Dating back to 1862, the tradition was born out of the anticipation of the announcement of the Emancipation Proclamation. This executive order issued by President Lincoln would end slavery, taking effect on January 1, 1863.
Kate Masur, professor of history at Northwestern University, spoke to CNN about the significance of Watch Night for Black Americans. She explained, “People knew on December 31, 1862, that it was the coming of a new day. So, the watch night tradition took on a new meaning and Black Americans in many places, in the free states, in the slave states, assembled for watch night meetings, celebrating the coming of freedom.”
Freed and enslaved Black people gathered in churches to secretly pray for the new year to bring freedom. In some states, which had slave codes prohibiting religious gatherings, this was done in utmost secrecy. Despite its difficult history, the tradition has survived and is still celebrated today.
Tracy Oliver-Gary, who has attended Watch Night since she was a child, spoke about the significance of the event for the community. She said, “You have the spiritual aspect about reflecting about God but there’s also the cultural historical aspect of preservation of African American culture … The Black church is, to me, the hallmark place of preservation of Black history of Black culture.”
The National Museum of African American History and Culture explains how prayers in remembrance of the inaugural Watch Night pay homage to their ancestors while furthering the notions of faith and community. Congregants across the nation bow in prayer minutes before the midnight hour as they sing out “Watchman, watchman, please tell me the hour of the night.” When the minister replies “It is now midnight, freedom has come,” the tradition is fully realized.
Today, Watch Night continues to be a poignant reminder of the resilience of the Black American community. It is a tradition that evokes emotions of hope for the future, and honors the history and perseverance of the past.
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