Historian Dr. Christopher M. Esing discusses Florida Emancipation Day.

Florida Emancipation Day is celebrated annually on May 20, commemorating the proclamation of emancipation in Tallahassee on that date in 1865. This date marks the end of slavery in Florida, eleven days after the Civil War ended and two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.

Happy Emancipation Day, Lake City and Columbia County, FL. 2025. Celebrating 160 Years of Freedom.

Many enslaved African Americans in Columbia County, upon being set free, married in mass. Weddings for those who were enslaved were generally only recognized on the plantation and not in the legal system, so 25 couples took the chance to legally become husband and wife. A Justice of the Peace in Gainesville named Fryer offered to wed all freedmen, and a group from Columbia County went to his home. He provided a barrel of free lemonade and refreshments. The newlyweds danced and partied all night long at the judge’s house because of the distance they had to travel.

Their wedding day offered local freedmen their first real taste of freedom. ~ Florida Emancipation Day with Dr. Christopher M. Esing.

Podcast Summary – Hour of Excellence Radio Show for Kids

The Hour of Excellence is a dynamic, engaging educational podcast designed especially for curious and ambitious kids! Each episode delivers a fun mix of knowledge and inspiration, featuring:

These kid-friendly lessons on the stock market and the S&P 500 help young listeners understand money, investing, and the economy.

Exciting Japanese language segments, where kids learn basic vocabulary, fun phrases, and cultural insights.

Fascinating history lessons that bring major events and important figures to life.

Bonus content like trivia, fun facts, and mini-challenges to keep kids thinking and growing.

With a focus on excellence, discovery, and real-world learning, Hour of Excellence is where young leaders start their journey toward greatness.

Linda Hugley is President and Founder of Women of Veteran Affairs (W.O.V.A.)

Website: https://wovainc.org. The Women of Veterans Affairs is dedicated to honoring the dignity and quality of life of all veterans and their families by eliminating barriers to opportunities. Every Veteran and their family will have the opportunity to receive education, available resources, and counseling to enhance their lives.

Originally aired on 107.9 FM WUAF Lake City, FL March 26, 2025

KC is a 4th-year college student from Mississippi State.

Reverend Barbara Thomas, Union Hill AME Church, Wacissa FL

Originally aired on 107.9 FM WUAF Lake City, FL on March 19, 2025

Elder Daniels serves at Living Word Outreach Ministries in Lake City, Florida, under the leadership of her husband, Pastor Sammy Daniels. She holds an Associate of Arts degree in Theology from Life Christian University in Tampa, Florida. In addition to her ministry work, she is a mentor and serves as the Secretary of the Youth Women of Excellence Organization.

Originally aired on 107.9 FM WUAF Lake City, Florida March 12, 2025

In the "Health and Wellness for Kids" episode of the Hour of Excellence podcast, listeners are provided practical tips to promote children's well-being. The episode covers easy-to-follow exercise routines, tasty snack ideas, stress-relief techniques, and positive mindset practices, all tailored for kids.

This episode is part of the "STEM at Home" series, which aims to integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics into daily family activities. The series encourages families to explore educational and enjoyable practices at home by combining health and wellness topics with STEM concepts.

Originally aired March 8, 2025, on 107.9 FM WUAF Lake City, FL

Pastor Ava D. Curry is an ordained itinerant elder in the Mount Tabor African Methodist Episcopal Church, committed to her faith and community. She pursued theological studies at Payne Theological Seminary. Pastor Curry is married to the late Rev. Rickey Lamar Curry Sr., who served in Bellville, Florida. She has a passion for helping others and enjoys engaging with her community.

In her upcoming podcast episode, Pastor Curry will delve into women’s history, sharing insights and stories that highlight the significant contributions of women throughout time.