Abraham Lincoln by TryAnthony

Abraham Lincoln by TryAnthony - February 2016 Scholarship Essay

If I could have dinner with any historical figure, I would choose Honest Abe. Abraham Lincoln was a positive force for the African American people in the 1800s. He was one of the most strong- minded presidents the U.S. has ever had. He accomplished things that many people agreed with, and many people disagreed with. Abraham Lincoln put his life on the line to preserve, protect, and to defend all Americans past, present, and future. And for these reasons, that is why I admire him and wish to meet him if I could.
I am an African American senior in High School, and when I think about the Emancipation Proclamation not existing, it scares me. What if slavery still existed? Would I be alive? If Abraham Lincoln had not created the Emancipation Proclamation, then who could we have depended on to do so? If the U.S. were still a slave state, I would not be able to enjoy life. I enjoy being able to do what I want and have civilized conversations with whom I want. I just can’t imagine being a slave. Who in their right mind would want to treat anyone like that?
African Americans were not even allowed to vote then, and although I’m not able to vote yet, having a say in my nation's leaders is important to me. Honestly, African Americans were treated like machines, like they weren't humans. Education was something that also was very unfair during the slave days, because educating an African American was frowned upon Everyone deserves to have assistance with what they want to do in life, so we all can be the best we can be.
I also believe that the Civil rights acts was a result of the Emancipation Proclamation. Abraham Lincoln was the first to do something about slavery, because he realized that something had to give, and that he had the power to do so. I seriously appreciate Abraham Lincoln for what he did and the things he accomplished. Abraham Lincoln did not deserve for what he did, nor the way he did, and I would like to tell him that.
In a conversation with Abraham Lincoln, I would probably start it off, “Man, you are tall!” and I would ask to wear his hat while we talk if he was wearing one. Then I would ask why he decided to become president, and why he created the Emancipation Proclamation, and what drove him to do so. Another topic I would discuss is why he didn’t support political equality. Was he an abolitionist or not? Was he for slavery or against slavery? I would ask him, if he had to choose, which would it be?
What made him think that colonization would resolve the issue of slavery, and did you want all slaves to go to Liberia or just some? Did you care that after the Emancipation Proclamation, that not all slaves were free, why didn’t you try to free all slaves? Additionally, I would ask, “Did you have any security around you when you were killed? If you did have security, how did John Wilkes Booth get past them; if you didn’t, why not?”
Abraham Lincoln was a very smart president. He did things that others wouldn’t dare to do. He sacrificed his life for the United States of America, and people will always remember him for the things he accomplished.