The Emancipation Day Festival also known as “May Day” for Floridians commemorates May 20, 1865, the day of freedom for African American slaves in the State of Florida.

This is not to be confused with “Juneteenth” which celebrates the official end of slavery as the last remaining State of Texas surrendered to the Union and set free those slaves. Both took over 2 years after President Lincoln’s signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Like many other southern states, Generals were sent across the South to give notice to slaves as well as the slave owners of their emancipation and allow Confederate states the chance to surrender.

On May 20, 1865, General Edward Moody McCook announced this Proclamation in Tallahassee, Florida. His actual arrival in Florida was on May 10, 1865. It took those ten days for him and his troops to give notice. It was on May 20, 1865, that he announced the freedom of all slaves by order of President Abraham Lincoln. However, there are some unverified historical speculations that he may have also made his announcement on the steps of the historical Knott House in Tallahassee, Florida.

Our Mission

To honor, educate, and preserve African-American history through a family-centered community engagement. Our intent is to allow the Festival to serve as a community builder for our citizens and provide additional economic opportunities for local small businesses. It is our overall goal to preserve this rich history and help further unify the communities of Northwest Florida by understanding and honoring the freedoms of all Americans.

byron l. dickens

Byron L. Dickens is a 2-time veteran serving over 20 years in both the United States Marine Corps and the United States Army Reserve, Mr. Dickens has faithfully and diligently served this country and he is now making an honest effort to serve the community by spreading patriotism, unity, and his love for history to the youth.  He most recently ran for County Commissioner for District 5 back in 2020 but was unsuccessful. His experience spans wide and is very broad.  In addition to being the founder and President of the Emancipation Day Festival of Northwest Florida, he has a AA Degree in Multidisciplinary Studies from Grantham University, a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree, and a Master of Business Administration Degree from the University of Arkansas Grantham.

He is also:

· Author of the Children’s Book “May Day and Me! Celebrating Florida’s Emancipation Day 

· He served as an M1A1 Tank crewman in the U.S. Marines Corps

· Has 13 years with the Florida Department of Corrections to the rank of Sergeant.

· FAA Certified Air Traffic Controller, Training Supervisor, Facility Chief, Platoon Sergeant, and Acting First Sergeant/Senior Supervisor of all full-time staff for both Airfield Operations and Air Traffic Services units.

· Was one of a few subject matter experts in Air Traffic Control Services and Standardization in the entire US Army Reserves and Army Reserve Aviation Command.

 What We've Achieved

• In 2019, Received 5-0 Unanimous Vote approval from the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners to Proclaim May 20th as Emancipation Day in Jackson County Florida.

• Created the Freedom Month Observance where activities and contests will focus on the observance of Armed Forces Day, Emancipation Day, and Memorial Day throughout all Jackson County Schools.

• Created the Derwin Hazelton Community Service Award in honor of the late Derwin “Diamond D” Hazelton.

Our Goals

• To complete all 4 phases in the construction of the Museum of Florida’s African American History in Jackson County, Florida.

• Modify and finalize The Project S.A.V.E. program to include STEM, Media, Music, and Performing Arts Training & Competition in Jackson County.

• Spread the Freedom Month Observance throughout the State of Florida, one district at a time.