Wednesday, May 20 was observed as Emancipation Day in Florida. The ceremonial re-enactment of the original reading of President Lincoln’s historic proclamation took place in downtown Tallahassee, just as it did in 1865.
Children from the Brownsville Preparatory Institute sang, as did well known local vocalist Christopher White.
FAMU History Professor Larry Rivers gave a stemwinding keynote address:
“We’re here today to remember the ancestors, the steppingstones. The ancestors who looked forward to freedom!”
And the role of Union General Edward McCook was for the first time portrayed by Mark Rominger, the ailing Brian Bibeau having retired.
“I have hereto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed,” he said, concluding the missive from President Lincoln, issued 2 and-a-half years earlier.
This was all followed by a community picnic in Lewis Park, enjoyed by hundreds of people, including Mayor John Dailey.
“To be able to come out as a community, join together and celebrate the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation and the reenactment is second to none.”
This was Emancipation Day in Tallahassee.
