The Tallahassee City Commission is recognizing May 20 as Emancipation Day in Florida. While June 19 is nationally recognized as Emancipation Day, slaves in Tallahassee got word of their freedom much sooner. On May 20, Union soldiers rode into the city. General Edward McCook read the emancipation proclamation on the steps of the Knott House. Brian Bibeau portrayed General McCook during Tuesday's city commission meeting, where he read aloud the emancipation proclamation.
"I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves within said designated states and parts of states are and henceforward shall be free," Bibeau says.
Mayor Pro Tem Dianne Williams-Cox says Tallahassee has a history of celebrating May 20 as Emancipation Day.
The board approved May 20 as a paid holiday for city employees. The Leon County Commission previously approved the holiday for county employees.
