Emancipation Day Bell Ringing

The City of Tallahassee recognizes May 20 as Emancipation Day. On this date in 1865, the Emancipation Proclamation was read on the steps of the Knott House by General Edward McCook. That’s when the enslaved in Florida learned they were free — two years after the document was issued by President Abraham Lincoln. There were more than 8,000 enslaved people in Leon County in 1865, and May 20 was their freedom day.

On Friday, May 20, 2022, St. John’s will proudly join five other Tallahassee churches in the ‘ringing of the bells.’ At 9 AM, tower bells will peal and play joyful music for two minutes in celebration!

See the schedule below for more Emancipation Day events.