In addition to the Emancipation Day Festival, there are various projects we have created and are currently pursuing.
Museum of Florida’s African American History
The Byron L. Dickens Museum of Florida’s African American History & Cultural Arts Center is a new business venture that aims to provide visitors with an immersive and educational experience exploring the rich history and cultural contributions of African Americans from the State of Florida and the local area.
The museum will serve as a cultural destination for locals and visitors from further afield, showcasing the significant impact of African Americans in various fields, including arts, music, literature, and science. The cultural arts center will also offer a wide range of programs and events, including workshops, lectures, and performances, designed to provide visitors with an opportunity to learn, interact, and appreciate Florida’s African American culture.
Freedom month
Designated in May to observe, enrich, and expand the observances of Armed Forces Day, Emancipation Day, and Memorial Day. In October of 2019, our efforts led to the passing of the “Freedom Month” Resolution adopted by the Jackson County School Board to be implemented in every school in Jackson County. Since its implementation, we have worked tirelessly with the School District to use Emancipation as the facilitator to teach African American history in a way that builds on American nationalism and idealism. We believe that building on pride in nationhood is the way toward a sustainable future.
Freedom month observance resolution
A time to expand, enrich, and explore the great contributions, sacrifices, and freedoms of this great nation.
Project S.a.v.e.
project s.a.v.e program
The Emancipation Day Festival of Northwest Florida, Inc. is continuing its work to create the Project S.A.V.E. program. This program will host a wide array of disciplines such as STEM, Media, Music, and Performing arts training for at-risk youth in rural and urban areas across Northwest Florida. Utilizing African American history and culture as the inspirational model, we feel that this approach will foster a structure based on stronger community engagement and enhance academic success. At the same time, this will help develop the skills of our youth and build their interests.
Past Contests
freedom Month contests
The Contests for FY20 were the “Remember Our Fallen” Memorial Day Art Contest, the “Our Strangers, Our Heroes” Armed Forces Day Poetry Contest, the “Freedom to Me” Emancipation Day Essay Contest and the “Best Teacher” Gift Card Giveaway. Contest winners were:
Art Contest Winners Anna J. Horn- Marianna High School and Tessa Hartsfield- Riverside Elementary School
Poetry Contest Winner Charielle Hartsfield- Marianna Middle School
Best Teacher Gift Card Winner Miss Leah Johnson- Graceville High School
Winner awards include a 10 inch Graphic tablet w/ stylus pen, watercolor painting kits, $50 Gift Cards, and poetry books. The Best Teacher received a $100 Gift Card. There were no participants for the Essay Contest.