Emancipation Day in Mississippi

In Columbus, Mississippi, Emancipation Day is celebrated on May 8, known locally as "Eighth o’ May". As in other southern states, the local celebration commemorates the date in 1865 when African Americans in eastern Mississippi learned of their freedom.

The Emancipation Proclamation officially took effect on January 1, 1863. But in this part of Mississippi, the 8th of May has been celebrated in the black community as Emancipation Day. It was on May 8, 1865, that Union troops arrived from across the state line in Alabama and effectively put an end to slavery.

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Emancipation Day

A necessary preliminary

A war measure

Almost two years later

An expensive gift

Arbitrary rule of other men

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