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Thursday, May 20, 2021, was the 156th anniversary of the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation in Florida. Announcing the end of slavery for the first time in the state, Union officers stood on the steps of the Knott House in Tallahassee to share the document following the end of the Civil War.
The date has grown in recognition, with celebrations held around Florida’s capital and in other areas. On this year’s anniversary, WFSU premiered a new documentary by local filmmaker Valerie Scoon. The story focuses on the little-known history of plantations and the previously enslaved in North Florida, an area that was once considered the middle part of the state. The film is titled
Historical re-enactors gave visitors a glimpse of life in the time leading up to the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation in Tallahassee on May 20, 1865.
Historians highlight Black history attractions during COVID-19
If you re looking to learn about the rich Black history in Tallahassee, it might be as simple as a walk in the park.
and last updated 2021-02-05 18:21:06-05
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) â If you re looking to learn about the rich Black history here in Tallahassee, it might be as simple as a walk in the park. Leon county has in place three important trails, says Althemese Barnes, Riley Museum Founder and Executive Director Emeritus.
Barnes says social distancing shouldn t stop you from getting a dose of Black history. Outdoor attractions like the audio-enhanced Soul Voices trail in Frenchtown, the Civil Rights Sidewalk at the Corner of Monroe and Jefferson Street, and the historical markers along Cascades Park offer important insight.
Monday, February 1, 2021 by Danielle Prieur (WMFE)
Photo: Jon Sailer
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LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) A Florida city is planning to formally recognize May 20 as the date slaves were emancipated in the state. The Ledger in Lakeland reports the city commission plans to approve a resolution Monday declaring May 20 as Florida Emancipation Day. That would mark the anniversary of when slavery became illegal in the state. In Florida, the date was May 20, 1865, when Union Brigadier Gen. Edward McCook formally announced President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation from the steps of the Knott House in Tallahassee. Officials say there are efforts in Florida to have cities and counties recognize May 20 as emancipation day.
Florida city will recognize May 20 as slave emancipation day
February 1, 2021 GMT
LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) A Florida city is planning to formally recognize May 20 as the date slaves were emancipated in the state.
The city commission plans to approve a resolution Monday declaring May 20 as Florida Emancipation Day, The Ledger in Lakeland reported.
That would mark the anniversary of when slavery became illegal in the state. It’s earlier than the Juneteenth date in which slaves in Texas were informed on June 19, 1865 that they were free.
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In Florida, the date was May 20, 1865, when Union Brigadier Gen. Edward McCook formally announced President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation from the steps of the Knott House in Tallahassee.