JAN. 1, 1863: President Abraham Lincoln signed the edict proclaiming that all slaves living within rebelling Confederate states "are, and henceforth shall be, free."

JAN. 1-3: Japanese New Year Celebration: Shogatsu is the celebration of the New Year - the most important holiday in Japan. Entrances are decorated with a Shimekezari. People send New Year's postcards to friends and relatives, wear ceremonial attire, visit shrines, and eat mochi (rice cakes). Family members gather in their hometown and spend time together.

JAN. 5, 1943: In commemoration of George Washington Carver’s life and work, Congress declared January 5th as George Washington Carver Recognition Day to recognize the great African American scientist.

JAN. 8, 1912: Chiefs, representatives of people, church organizations and other prominent individuals form the African National Congress and declare its aim to bring all Africans together as one people to defend their rights and freedoms.

JAN. 20: World Religion Day - This day was established to foster interfaith understanding and harmony by emphasizing the commonalities underlying all religions. It’s an observance initiated in 1950 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States but is now celebrated worldwide on the third Sunday in January each year.

JAN. 21: Martin Luther King Jr. Day - This federal holiday honors Reverend King's life and commitment to equality and unity. The Day of Service encourages citizens to follow King's words: "Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve."

JAN. 23, 1907: First Native American Senator - Charles Curtis, of Kaw, Osage, and Pottawatomie ancestry, was sworn in as the U.S. senator from Kansas. From 1928-1933, he also served the nation as vice president with President Herbert Hoover.

JAN. 31, 1865: Congress passes the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery in America