5/17/2023 - Councilwoman Lanier Host Commemoration Of African Emancipation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
RIVIERA BEACH COUNCILWOMAN SHIRLEY LANIER HOSTS COMMEMORATION OF AFRICAN AMERICAN EMANCIPATION IN FLORIDA
RIVIERA BEACH, FL. (May 17, 2023) – Councilwoman Shirley Lanier, in collaboration with Palm Beach County African Diaspora Historical and Cultural Society, Inc., is honored to announce the upcoming Mayteenth Emancipation Day. This event will commemorate the historical emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the state of Florida.
The commemoration is free and open to the public. It will take place on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at the Riviera Beach City Library, located at 2129 N. Congress Avenue, Riviera Beach, FL 33404.
On May 20, 1865, Brigadier General Edward McCook, accompanied by the Third United States Colored Infantry, rode into Tallahassee, accepted the official surrender of the state eleven days after the end of the Civil War, and read the Emancipation Proclamation to city officials two years after it was issued by President Abraham Lincoln, thus establishing a new state government.
"Mayteenth is a time for us to come together as a community and celebrate our shared history, honoring the resilience of African Americans," said Councilwoman Shirley Lanier. "It is crucial that we acknowledge the ongoing 160-year struggle for liberation in a society where barriers against the advancement of Black, Brown, and allied communities of struggle continue to increase."
The Emancipation Day Commemoration will present a program featuring African drumming and libation, spoken word performances, music, a panel discussion by renowned historians, and refreshments. The event offers an educational opportunity with in-service points available for teachers and community service hours for students.
Contact:
Brittany Collins
Public Information Officer
Bcollins@rivierabeach.org
C: 561-371-1533