Black Friday is Native American Heritage Day

Black Friday is the traditional kickoff to the holiday shopping season. That day also holds a more significant meaning. It is Native American Heritage Day in the United States – a day that honors the contributions of Native Americans.  A law that makes the Friday after Thanksgiving Day Native American Heritage Day was signed by President George W. Bush on October 8, 2008.

Unpaid Labor likes that. All Americans should observe Native American Heritage Day.

Here are some of the things that the Congress acknowledged when it passed this law.

(1) Native Americans have made distinct and significant contributions to the United States and the rest of the world.

(2) All Americans should recognize the contributions that Native Americans have made to the nation.

(3) Recognizing the contributions of Native Americans will give them self-esteem, pride, and self-awareness.

Unpaid Labor believes that the contribution of the first 12 generations of Americans of African descent should also be acknowledged by our nation. Nearly 12.5 million people working for their entire lifetimes for 250 years with no pay are the foundation of the most successful nation in modern history - the United States of America.

It would be difficult to overstate the contribution of Unpaid Labor. For 169 years before the United States became a nation, Unpaid Labor was instrumental to America’s birth, growth, and survival. Between 1776 and 1865, Unpaid Labor would spend those additional 89 years making great and significant contributions in every area of American life.

So while we may be chasing holiday shopping deals on Black Friday, let’s all observe Native American Heritage Day, too. Likewise, help us acknowledge the contribution of Unpaid Labor. That will give them the honor, dignity, and standing they deserve. It’s the right thing to do. They are the indispensable factor in the United States becoming the most successful nation in modern history.

Click here to add your name to a growing and deserving movement to support these awesome Americans.

Photo Credit: Indian Country Today Media Network