From Staff Reports, ChatGPT, and the City of Apopka
The City of Apopka will host its annual Emancipation Day Celebration on Tuesday from 6 PM to 9 PM at Alonzo Williams Park, commemorating the historic day when slavery officially ended in Florida. The family-friendly event will feature live music, food and craft vendors, and children’s activities, bringing the community together in reflection and celebration.
Related: Apopka honors Florida Emancipation Day with proclamation.
Headlining the evening will be acclaimed singer Carmen Harrell, with additional performances by Mark Wright, Deanna Giron, Tequrite “Tiki” Dericho, SB The Anomoly, and DJ Emcee. The event is free and open to the public.
Emancipation Day in Florida marks a pivotal moment in state history. While President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, and the Civil War ended in early May 1865, it wasn’t until May 20, 1865, that Union General Edward M. McCook read the Emancipation Proclamation from the steps of the Knott House in Tallahassee—officially freeing enslaved people in Florida.
To honor this legacy, the Apopka City Council issued a proclamation on May 7, 2025, officially recognizing May 20 as Florida Emancipation Day in the city. The proclamation acknowledges the historical significance of the day and reaffirms the city’s commitment to equality and human rights. It also honors the contributions of African Americans to Florida and the United States.
“The City of Apopka recognizes that the observance of the end of slavery is part of the history and heritage of the United States and the State of Florida,” the proclamation reads. It further states the city’s opposition to all forms of oppression and its support for individuals and organizations pursuing justice and equity.
Mayor Bryan Nelson formally recognized the day during the May 7 City Council meeting, stating, “I encourage all citizens to recognize and honor this day in the City of Apopka.”
Emancipation Day in Florida is distinct from the more widely known Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in Texas on June 19, 1865. While both dates mark the spread of freedom in the aftermath of the Civil War, May 20 holds particular importance in Florida’s history.
With this year’s celebration, Apopka continues its tradition of honoring that moment of liberation and remembering the struggles and triumphs that followed.
For more information on the event, visit the City of Apopka’s website or contact the Parks and Recreation Department.
Disclosure: Some of the content, research and sourcing for this article were produced using ChatGPT, an AI language model, to enhance research, generate ideas, or draft content. The Apopka Voice performed all final edits and fact-checking to ensure accuracy and alignment with our journalistic standards.
