Though the Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863, slaves in Western Kentucky were not freed until nearly eight months later a day now recognized as an emancipation holiday for the region.
Known as the 8th of August Emancipation Celebration, the Hopkinsville-Christian County Human Rights Commission is partnering with the Pennyroyal Area Museum to celebrate the day.
Human Rights Commission Executive Director, Raychel Farmer says this upcoming Emancipation Day will be the Commission’s third consecutive year organizing a Celebration of Freedom for the 8th of August.
The Celebration of Freedom will also highlight the importance of the day to the region. Farmer says unlike other African-American emancipation holidays, the 8th of August specifically applies to African-Americans who have an ancestral lineage in the region.
The Celebration of Freedom is set for August 6 at 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Pennyroyal Area Museum.