Florida Marks 160th Anniversary of Emancipation with Statewide Ceremonies

Florida commemorates May 20 as Emancipation Day, marking the 1865 announcement by Union General Edward McCook freeing enslaved people in the state, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Tallahassee and Gainesville have hosted various events including historical reenactments, readings of the proclamation, musical performances, and educational programs aimed at honoring this legacy and emphasizing the importance of remembering Florida’s unique emancipation history. Tallahassee marked the 160th anniversary with a city-wide celebration involving students from HBCUs, public officials, and community members, alongside closures of county offices and public services. The Knott House Museum remains a central venue for annual readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, maintaining an unbroken tradition of remembrance. Leaders stress the importance of recognizing Florida's Emancipation Day distinct from Juneteenth, which commemorates Texas's emancipation, and efforts are underway to enshrine May 20 as an official state holiday. These celebrations serve both as a reflection on the struggles endured and as an educational opportunity to pass this history to future generations.