New Year’s Eve – How We’s A Got Ova 12-31-25

African American Churches in the south were waiting to hear the news that President Abraham Lincoln had signed the proclamation that all negro slaves were free. The news came at the strike of twelve o’clock midnight. What a time, what a time, what a time!

Years ago, while being an associate minister at a church, I wrote a skit “How We’s A Got Ova” (my version of slave language), and it was presented on New Year’s Eve. It still resonates with me as to how the actors were so into it that they made it realistic, understandable, and enjoyable. The skit was based on information that was obtained from the history of the Emancipation Proclamation.

How I Got Over!

 Emancipation Proclamation, edict issued by U.S. Pres. Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, that freed the enslaved people of the Confederate states in rebellion against the Union. It took more than two years for news of the proclamation to reach the enslaved communities in the distant state of Texas. The arrival of the news on June 19 (of 1865) is now celebrated as a national holiday—Juneteenth or Emancipation Day.

To emancipate someone (including oneself) is to free them from restraint, control, or the power of another, and especially to free them from bondage or enslavement. An edict is an official order or proclamation issued by a person in authority, often a government or ruler.

Many churches still gather for “New Year’s Eve Services “celebrating the freedom of Negroes. There is a greater and higher level of freedom that goes beyond the physical realm. Let’s take it to the next or highest which is “Freedom in Christ”

It is factual that living in a fallen world where racism still exists. Even though we have come a long way in history because the Lord was and He is still on our side, somehow we made it over. Yes, my brothers and sisters, we can let the words resound “How We’s A Got Ova”

In celebrating, it is a blessing to remember the  freedom experienced on that night in 1863, but it can’t be compared to the freedom in Christ. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed (John 8:32, 36). We are not enslaved to the “Masta” We are servants (slaves) of Christ!

Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org