“Emancipation was proclaimed in Florida on May 20, 1865 and the City of Jacksonville recognizes the significance that has made for our community,” said Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman. “We’re excited and humbled to support James Weldon Johnson Park as we celebrate this day together with a fun festival for the community.”

Headlining this year’s festival will be Katz Downstairs, a Soul & R&B Vibe from Jacksonville. Councilman Rahman Johnson will host the event.  Other great local performers include Mr. Al Pete, Taryn “Love Reigns” Warwood, and Mal Jones. In addition, Jacksonville’s Emancipation Celebration will feature local African American food trucks and vendors and fun activities for the kids.  The festival will begin at 4 p.m. and close out at 8 p.m. at James Weldon Johnson Park.

“As a community, we are recognizing the past wrongs and injustices with a celebration of unity with a profound purpose.  As we continue to celebrate as a community, we still have work to do together,” said Councilwoman Pittman.

Emancipation was proclaimed in Tallahassee, Fla. on May 20, 1865, 11 days after the end of the Civil War, and two years after the Proclamation was first issued by President Abraham Lincoln to free those enslaved in Southern states. On May 10, Union General Edward M. McCook arrived in Tallahassee to receive the surrender of Florida’s Confederate troops. On May 20, McCook formally announced President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, effectively ending slavery in the state. While many people celebrate Juneteenth, Florida celebrates May 20 as its Emancipation Day.  

For more information about Jacksonville’s Emancipation Celebration, please visit www.JamesWeldonJohnsonPark.org.