Unlike Juneteenth, which commemorates the day when enslaved individuals in Texas learned of their freedom, May 20th Emancipation Day is specific to Florida’s history. While the Juneteenth holiday is a key piece of Black American history, it is independent from Florida’s unique and indispensable celebration. The 20th of May, Florida’s Emancipation Celebration will consist of statewide events that will collect and share communal and cultural heritage stories and experiences.
In recognition of the proximity of Haitian Flag Day and Florida’s Emancipation Day, this panel brings together historians and cultural experts for a transnational conversation about freedom struggles in the Caribbean and the Americas and to educate the public about the respective holidays.