An Emancipation Day message from Alachua County Chair Charles Chestnut IV
Press release from Alachua County
May 20th holds deep historical significance in Florida as it marks the day in 1865 when the Emancipation Proclamation was publicly announced in the state. Although President Abraham Lincoln had issued the proclamation on January 1, 1863, it was not until Union troops arrived in Tallahassee and declared freedom for enslaved people on May 20, 1865, that emancipation became a reality in Florida.
The announcement was made from the steps of the Knott House in Tallahassee by Union Brigadier General Edward M. McCook, symbolizing a pivotal moment in the state’s history and the lives of thousands of African Americans who had remained enslaved even after the war had effectively ended.
May 20th serves as a solemn reminder of the struggles for freedom and justice and a celebration of African American resilience, culture, and contribution. It is a powerful moment for reflection on the enduring impact of slavery and the ongoing pursuit of freedom, equity, and civil rights in Florida and beyond.
Alachua County Commission Chair Charles Chestnut IV
We still have a slave problem but government doesn’t care any more because it’s politically inconvenient.
Estimated number of enslaved people in the US currently: 1,091,000
Estimated number of enslaved people in 1860:
3,900,000
If republican conservatives had their way they’d bring back slavery, the heartless bastards
Yeah the Dems hate competition with their plantation monopoly.
You are insane…hardly anyone supports slavery anymore.
I am not affiliated with any political party but if my memory serves me correct it was in fact the Democrat Party that openly supported slavery. Prove me wrong.
Sorry to break it to you, but it was the DEMOCRATS who had the slaves,the DEMOCRATS who were the KKK, the DEMOCRATS who created and abused Jim Crow, and even now are pushing for Jim Crow 2.0. You can go back sleep now, Johnny Reb.
This is all stupid. Fix the roads!!
In case anyone didn’t know, slavery has ended, like 160 years ago. You can start taking responsibility for your own life and your own success now.
That second part seems to be missing from this message and Harvey’s.
Hey someone woke up Chestnut.
It seems like he and his family ate the ones who keep people down.
By continuing to tell them how bad they have it. Instead how about a positive message.
The city should put up a statue of Brigadier General Edward M McCook where the statue of confederate “old Joe” was downtown in celebration of the emancipation proclamation in Florida….the ACSB should rename eastside high school to Edward M McCook High School to honor this wonderful history of freedom in Florida!
Shaquonda: that’s a great idea!
We need to learn from history so we don’t repeat ourselves. Freedom & liberty is the most important thing in this world.
That statue of the General should be in front of the new courthouse.
When is taxpayer emancipation day? I’m tired of paying for their SNAP, Section 8 housing. Medicaid, and ‘earned’ (not really) income child income credit.
“Their”?!?. Why don’t you use the internet to educate yourself instead of being an uninformed keyboard warrior. 62.7% of people on SNAP are white.
Yep and 70% of the population is White while blacks are 13% and get more welfare as Whites. Not to mention your figures are wrong, 38.8 % of Whites get welfare, not 62.7%.
Sounds like you could use the net to educate yourself.
The following percentages are recipients of welfare based on race. The figures are from the US Government.
People receiving welfare by %
• White – 38.8% (70% of the population)
• Black – 39.8% (13% of the population)
• Hispanic – 15.7%
• Asian – 2.4%
• Other – 3.3%
50.1% of those receiving SNAP, TANF, and rental subsidies were Black and 27.7% were Hispanic in 2014.
https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2022/05/who-is-receiving-social-safety-net-benefits.html