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Upcoming Program to Celebrate Emancipation Proclamation

   Written by on June 26, 2015 at 1:10 pm

On Saturday, June 27th at 1 p.m., The Central High Museum and Charlotte County Board of Supervisors will come together to sponsor an exciting program to facilitate learning and appreciation of the Emancipation Proclamation.

The Emancipation Proclamation, issued on January 1, 1863, declared that all slaves within the rebellious states shall be set free. However, explicit limitations of this document included exempted parts of the confederacy and placed a focus on those states which had seceded from the Union. The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration stated, “Although the Emancipation Proclamation did not end slavery in the nation, it captured the hearts and imagination of millions of Americans and fundamentally transformed the character of the war.”

The program, which will take place at Randolph-Henry High School uditorium, will feature an abundance of educational elements. Special guests include an auxiliary group known as Female Re-enactors of Distinction (FREED). These talented women hail from The African American Civil War Memorial and Museum in Washington, D.C., and will portray various characters of importance. Notable women portrayed will include: Elizabeth Keckley (1818-1907), Susie King Taylor (1848-1912), and Hallie Quinn Brown (1850-1949). According to their website, the mission of FREED is “to educate the public and to promote the accomplishments of the African American Civil War Soldiers and the women who supported their fight for freedom.” Spectators can expect to hear a selection of dramatic readings and  see several re-enactments.

In addition to performances by FREED, local African-American Church Choirs will provide musical selections throughout the afternoon. Songs of praise will be heard from St. Michael’s Singing Deacons and White Oak Grove’s Mass Choir. Guests will also have to opportunity to view the special display “Our Grandmothers Quilts.”

There is no charge for this event; however, donations are accepted. Everyone is invited to attend. Guests are encouraged to wear African attire.

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