The tradition of Watch Night services in the United States dates back to Dec. 31, 1862, during the Civil War. Many Black Americans gathered in churches and other venues that evening, waiting for President Abraham Lincoln to sign the Emancipation Proclamation into law. That momentous evening is still being observed each New Year’s Eve, in services at many multiracial and predominantly Black churches across the country. As currently observed, the services commemorate not only freedom from slavery, but also celebrate the importance of faith, community and perseverance.
