Emancipation Celebration Day at JWJ Park
Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman, The Ritz Theater & Museum and the City of Jacksonville are excited to announce the fifth annual Jacksonville Emancipation Celebration taking place in Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park. The festival will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, to educate the community about the historical significance of Florida’s observed Emancipation Day. Cities like Jacksonville in the State of Florida are acknowledging this special day of freedom. Councilwoman Pittman is gathering several historical groups to assist in the celebration: The Ritz Theatre & Museum, Friends of James Weldon Johnson Park and the City of Jacksonville’s Lift Ev’ry Voice & Sing Park.
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Additionally, there will be a special news conference on Tuesday, May 20th at 2pm in City Hall to commemorate the 160th anniversary of this auspicious day.
“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 celebrate this momentous day with a festival for the people and in such a sacred place as the Johnson Brothers’ birthplace.”
Headlining this year’s festival will be The Katz Downstairz, a musical collective with a Soul and R&B vibe founded in Jacksonville, Florida. Additional performers to be announced. Jacksonville’s Emancipation Celebration will feature local African American food trucks and vendors and fun activities for the kids. The festival will begin at 5 p.m. and close out at 9 p.m. in Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park at 120 Lee Street.
“As a community, we must come together to recognize 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.
Emancipation Celebration Day will take place on Saturday, May 17th from 5pm to 9pm at Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park 120 Lee Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204.
Emancipation Day Press Conference will take place on Tuesday, May 20th at 2pm at City Hall 117 W Duval Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202.
*Times, dates, and prices of any activity posted to our calendars are subject to change. Please be sure to click through directly to the organization’s website to verify.
Location:
Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing Park1008 Church St. W
Jackonsville, FL, 32204United States
See map: Google Maps
Phone:
9045155098Contact name:
.
Email address:
Dates:
05/17/2025
Time:
5PM - 9PM
Price:
FREE
Ages
All Ages Adults & kids together Adults without kidsWeb Service