May 20 marks Florida’s Emancipation Day — the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Florida learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. On this holiday, communities across South Florida are commemorating that history through cultural events focused on education, reflection and celebration.
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A monthlong series of events known as the Juneteenth Experience is bringing residents together to honor the legacy of freedom while encouraging conversations about history and culture.
Sharlia Gully is one of the organizers of Juneteenth Experience. While many are familiar with Juneteenth — marking the day enslaved people in Texas learned they were free — Gully said fewer people are aware of Florida’s own Freedom Day.
“Florida itself has its own Freedom Day, which was May 20, and that happened in 1865 in Tallahassee,” Gully told NBC 6 News. “It’s important that we take national holidays and bring them down to the local level and understand that Florida has played a pivotal role in the continued journey toward freedom.”
Gully said the delay in freedom reaching Florida reflects a broader historical reality.
“It took more than two years after slavery was officially abolished in the United States,” she said.
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To mark the occasion, a community block party is scheduled for May 23 at the Ali Cultural Arts Center in Pompano Beach. The free, family-friendly event will feature live music, food trucks, art installations and interactive programming.
Attendees can take part in writing and movement workshops, listen to a live DJ and explore a pop-up market featuring local vendors and artisans from Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Organizers said the event will also include creative placemaking activities, collective poetry and collaborative art-making designed to bring the community together.
The celebration continues through Juneteenth weekend, with additional workshops, art exhibits and large-scale performances planned in Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach.
The Florida Emancipation Day Celebration will take place May 23 from 4:30 to 9 p.m. at the Ali Cultural Arts Center. Admission is free.
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