After Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation freeing slaves on January 1, 1863, it took nearly two and a half years for news of emancipation to reach all enslaved people. Because news of Emancipation was mostly delivered by word of mouth, the precise day of Emancipation varies from state to state. Many are familiar with Texas’s Emancipation Day of June 19, 1865, most commonly known as Juneteenth. However, for enslaved persons in Florida, Emancipation Day came just a month before on May 20, 1865 when Union Brigadier General Edward M. McCook formally announced President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation from the steps of the Knott House. As a result, many Floridians celebrate May 20th as Emancipation Day.
The Florida Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials has joined black elected officials from around the state in advocating and supporting for the accurate observation of this monumental day in Florida’s history.
We encourage elected officials are encouraged to adopt similar resolutions to Leon County Resolution No. 20-35 in their municipalities.
We’ve drafted a letter on behalf of FBC-LEO in opposition of Senate Bill 490 and House Bill 185. The letters requests that an amendment be made to the bills to reflect May 20, 1865 as the accurate Emancipation Day for the State of Florida. See the letters below.
Letter to Senator Bracy requesting amendment of Senate Bill 490
Letter to Representative McCurdy requesting amendment of House Bill 185
Letter to Representative Rayner requesting amendment of House Bill 185
More Emancipation Day resources:
A Historical View of Emancipation in Florida
City of Tallahassee Personnel Policy reflecting May 20th as an observed & paid holiday