H.Res. 278 — Introduced in House

IV 118th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 278 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 6, 2023Ms. DeLauro (for herself and Mr. Courtney) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability RESOLUTION Expressing support for the designation of April 10, 2023, as Venture Smith Freedom Day. Whereas, in about 1729, Venture Smith was born free in West Africa and, in 1739, was seized from his home and enslaved in New England; Whereas 258 years ago, in the year 1765, Venture Smith, at the age of 36, purchased his freedom; Whereas Venture Smith went on to free his family from the bondage of slavery; Whereas Venture Smith became a successful landowner, businessman, and author in the United States; Whereas, in November 1798, Venture Smith was the first African American to write and publish his own autobiography; Whereas Venture Smith was the first person to write and publish the phrase, My freedom is a privilege which nothing else can equal; Whereas Venture Smith died a free man on September 19, 1805, in Connecticut; and Whereas April 10 would be an appropriate date to designate as Venture Smith Freedom Day: Now, therefore, be it That the House of Representatives supports the designation of Venture Smith Freedom Day, which would recognize the 258th anniversary of Venture Smith purchasing his freedom and going on to become a landowner, businessman, and author in Connecticut.