Black History Alliance and New Life United Methodist Church will host a Day of Remembrance commemorating the day the Emancipation Proclamation which freed enslaved Africans the United States of in America (Jan. 1, 1863).
The event will take place at New Life United Methodist Church, 2821 South Monroe Street (three blocks from the Fairgrounds) from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3.
It will feature local historians and nonprofit organizations, entertainment, youth presentations, photographic displays, and a reception. Parents are encouraged to bring their children; and elders are invited to share their knowledge during this multi-cultural gathering.
“This program is designed to honor freedom, not as a moment, but as a movement! This event helps our church (to) be seen as a space for truth-telling, teaching and transformation,” said Senior Pastor, Terry Andrews.
Organized to provide “teachable moments” for many who are without knowledge of this important day in history, the event will include facts about Watch Night and Freedom Songs which evolved from this period in American history – but were never taught in public schools.
Priscilla Hawkins, Creative Director of Black History Alliance said “This is the first of several Freedom Days we plan to host this year. It’s important that we all develop an understanding of our cultural history as well as the history of other cultures and their freedom days.”
Though Jan. 1 was the day the law to free enslaved Africans in America went into effect, it took more than 2½ years before the last groups of Black people in Texas and Oklahoma were notified they had been officially released from slavery. However, not all enslaved Africans were actually set free during that time.
“Many of us were never told – and never taught in schools that the written words of then-President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation to free enslaved people would ONLY free those in Southern Confederate States that had seceded from the Union,” Hawkins added.
A highlight of the event will be presentations and a panel discussion by local youth. Their involvement is part of “The Letter Series” – a specialized youth program started in 2021 by Florida A&M University sociology professor, Dr. Keith Parker. The program asks youth to read, research, and then give their opinions about the intent, effects, and current view of historic letters and speeches written by well-known or little-known writers.
Local historians and residents will provide updates on issues affecting Tallahassee citizens; discuss the current state of our city, state, and country; and issue a Call to Action on how to become involved in improving and maintaining our current freedoms during these uncertain times.
For additional information contact Priscilla Hawkins at 850-879-9282.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee church plans to celebrate Emancipation remembrance