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
Description:
Join the Leon County Public Library for an engaging presentation by Dr. Aron Myers from the John G. Riley House, as we explore the rich history and celebration of Florida's Emancipation Day! Discover more about this momentous event and broaden your understanding of our Leon County community's history.
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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.
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African American Biographies for Young Adults
Emancipation History for a Younger Audience
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African American History in the U.S.
The Battle for Civil Rights
Slavery in History and Today
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African American History in Florida
Biographies and African American History for Young Readers
Emancipation History in the U.S.
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