Florida's Emancipation Day
Emancipation was proclaimed in Tallahassee-Leon County on May 20, 1865, eleven days after the end of the American Civil War and two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation freed those enslaved in Southern states. The Proclamation was read by Union General Edward M. McCook from the steps of the Knott House, effectively ending slavery in the state of Florida.
One hundred and fifty-five years later, in 2020, Leon County became the first county in Florida to officially recognize Florida’s Emancipation Day as a County holiday through a unanimous vote of the Leon County Board of County Commissioners.
Over the years and across the state, our past links us to our present and future. We invite you to learn something new about Florida’s history and the events that shaped our community through our library resources and during local events hosted by our community partners.
Events
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Audience: all
Location:
Leon County Main Library
Description:
Learn about Florida’s Emancipation Day and the events of May 20 with educators from the Museum of Florida History. Discover the unique history behind this important day and its connections to local landmarks like the Knott House Museum and the Union Bank Museum. Participants will also learn how to take part in this year’s community commemorations.
More info
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Audience: all
Location:
Leon County Main Library
Description:
In celebration of Emancipation Day in Florida, attend a screening of Invisible History: Middle Florida’s Hidden Roots, a documentary exploring the often-overlooked history of slavery in Leon County.
Following the film, director Valerie Scoon of Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts will share insights and discuss the stories, people, and places that shaped our region. This program offers an opportunity to reflect on local history and consider its lasting impact on our community.
More info
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No more events.
Learn about Emancipation Day and African American History through Library Resources
Learn about the struggle, achievements, and contributions of African American people throughout history.
African American History in Florida
Civil Rights in Florida
Reconstruction in Florida
Race Relations in the U.S.
Take a deep dive into stories that give a different perspective. These books can take you on a journey that you never expected!
African American Biographies for Young Adults
Emancipation History for a Younger Audience
Take a look at these graphic novels for an interesting history lesson or to entertain you with their intriguing illustrations.
African American History in the U.S.
The Battle for Civil Rights
Slavery in History and Today
Read anytime using our apps: Libby, Overdrive, or Axis 360. Want to download a book to your computer? You can do that too. Just follow the instructions during check out.
African American History in Florida
Biographies and African American History for Young Readers
Emancipation History in the U.S.
Watch documentaries, history films, and motion pictures through Kanopy.