by Brandy W. Walt
On December 6th, the Humane Party celebrates Abolition Day, a pivotal date in history that commemorates the ratification of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1865, which formally abolished slavery in the United States. This day is more than a historical milestone; it is a call to action to expand the principles of abolition to include all sentient beings.
Abolition Day: A Historical Reflection
December 6th marks the end of legalized human slavery in the United States—a victory that reshaped the nation’s moral compass. The courage and perseverance of abolitionists who fought for human rights stand as an enduring example of what collective action can achieve.
For the Humane Party, this day represents not just the commemoration of past achievements but also a commitment to extend abolitionist ideals to the present and future. As the 13th Amendment once redefined the meaning of freedom, the Humane Party seeks to expand that definition to include non-human animals, recognizing their right to live free from exploitation and harm.
Abolition for All: A Universal Call for Justice
The Humane Party views Abolition Day as a reminder of the unfinished work of abolition. While human slavery has been outlawed, countless animals remain trapped in systems of exploitation—whether in factory farms, laboratories, circuses, or other industries that treat sentient beings as commodities.
The party’s abolitionist platform seeks to dismantle these systems through: • Legislation that bans animal exploitation.
• Education to raise awareness about the connections between human and animal rights.
• Sustainable alternatives to industries that rely on cruelty, such as plant based agriculture and cruelty-free research.
Building on the Legacy of Abolitionists
Abolition Day also serves as a reminder that the fight for justice is often met with resistance, yet history shows that persistence leads to progress. Just as abolitionists
of the past challenged societal norms and institutions, today’s activists work to expose the injustices of animal exploitation.
The Humane Party draws inspiration from the 13th Amendment, seeing it as a stepping stone toward achieving universal emancipation—a world where no sentient being is enslaved, commodified, or treated as property.
How to Celebrate Abolition Day
• Educate: Learn about the history of abolition and the Humane Party’s mission to extend its principles to all beings.
• Advocate: Share resources on social media, write to your representatives, or organize local events to promote animal rights.
• Act: Support legislation that advances abolitionist goals or make personal changes, such as transitioning to a vegan lifestyle, to align your actions with abolitionist values.
A Vision for the Future
Abolition Day is a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come and envision how far we can go. By honoring the legacy of those who fought for human freedom, we are reminded of our responsibility to carry that torch forward—to advocate for a world where justice and compassion extend to all beings, regardless of species.
This December 6th, let us commit to being abolitionists for the 21st century and beyond. Together, we can build a world that truly embodies freedom, equality, and respect for all.
Brandy W. Walt-Rose
Political Advocate, Humane Party
The Humane Herald 