The 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution was passed by Congress on January 31, 1865, and ratified on December 6, 1865. It abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. This amendment marked a significant turning point in Black history, as it formally ended the institution of slavery in the United States.

After centuries of suffering under the brutal system of chattel slavery, Black Americans finally gained their freedom through the passage of the 13th Amendment. However, while this amendment technically outlawed slavery, it did not immediately grant full civil rights and equality to formerly enslaved individuals. This would be a long and ongoing struggle that would continue for decades to come.

The 13th Amendment was a crucial step towards the eventual recognition of Black Americans as full citizens with equal rights under the law. It laid the foundation for the Civil Rights Movement and the ongoing fight for racial justice and equality in the United States.