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Florida's May 20 Emancipation Day Predates National Juneteenth Recognition

While Juneteenth marks the end of slavery nationally, Florida has observed May 20 as the date freedom was officially enforced statewide in 1865.

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While Juneteenth is now recognized nationally as the day commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, Florida has long observed its own Emancipation Day on May 20, the date freedom was officially enforced statewide in 1865.

Sources

  1. The Jaxson: Jacksonville’s Forgotten Emancipation History
Florida's May 20 Emancipation Day Predates Juneteenth | First Coast Observer