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With slavery ending, prominent blacks focused on the future. On January 1, 1808, the United States ended its role in the international slave trade. Peter Williams delivered a speech at the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church to celebrate the day. He thanked God for hearing the cries of Africa, and he thanked white people who had helped to end America's role in the slave trade. Williams believed in the promise of the American Revolution: All men are created equal. He knew there were whites who opposed blacks' rights, but he believed that blacks would triumph if they behaved themselves honorably and respected the country's laws.
For more about Peter Williams Jr. link to "Life Stories: Profiles of Black New Yorkers During Slavery and Emancipation"
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