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Living History part of Emancipation Celebration

Tom Flanigan

Although Friday's (5/20) Emancipation Day ceremonies in Tallahassee were rained out, the weather was more cooperative for Saturday's Walk Though Living History Festival and Parade.

After a march from FAMU's Bragg Stadium, the festival began at the city's Speed Spencer Stephens Park. Among the historic re-enactors, members of the Second Infantry Regiment United States Colored Troops, directed by Jarvis Rosier.

"The kids get a chance to come up and touch and feel," he said. "So that's better than just knowing it. They can see it in living history and that's what we're presenting today."

Perhaps one of the most popular - and certainly most visible re-enactors - was Lew Welge and his amazingly accurate portrayal of President Abraham Lincoln.

"Right makes might." he declared, slipping seamlessly into character. "Might does not make right; right makes right!"

The weekend's festivities concluded with the Sixth Annual Emancipation and Abolitionists Ball at FSU's Turnbull Center.