IV 118th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 278 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 6, 2023 Ms. DeLauro (for herself and Mr. Courtney ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability RESOLUTION Expressing support for the designation of April 10, 2023, as Venture Smith Freedom Day .

Whereas, in about 1729, Venture Smith was born free in West Africa and, in 1739, was seized from his home and enslaved in New England; Whereas 258 years ago, in the year 1765, Venture Smith, at the age of 36, purchased his freedom; Whereas Venture Smith went on to free his family from the bondage of slavery; Whereas Venture Smith became a successful landowner, businessman, and author in the United States; Whereas, in November 1798, Venture Smith was the first African American to write and publish his own autobiography; Whereas Venture Smith was the first person to write and publish the phrase, My freedom is a privilege which nothing else can equal ; Whereas Venture Smith died a free man on September 19, 1805, in Connecticut; and Whereas April 10 would be an appropriate date to designate as Venture Smith Freedom Day : Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives supports the designation of Venture Smith Freedom Day , which would recognize the 258th anniversary of Venture Smith purchasing his freedom and going on to become a landowner, businessman, and author in Connecticut.