LAKELAND, Fla. (AP)– May 20 with be formally recognized as the date slaves were emancipated in the state of Florida.
The Lakeland City Commission will approve a resolution declaring May 20 as Florida Emancipation Day, the Ledger in Lakeland reported.
May 20 would mark the anniversary of when slavery became illegal in the state, as reported by the AP. It’s earlier than the Juneteenth date in which slaves in Texas were informed on June 19, 1865 that they were free.
In Florida, the date was May 20, 1865, when Union Brigadier Gen. Edward McCook formally announced President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation from the steps of the Knott House in Tallahassee.
Lakeland commissioner Philip Walker said there are efforts around Florida to have cities and counties recognize May 20 as the date of slave emancipation.