TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The 2nd Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Colored Troops (USCT) will hold events Saturday, May 25, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation.
The festivities begin with a parade and day in the park entititled a "Walk through Living History." The parade begins at 8 a.m. at the corner of Liberty and Perry Street, which is near Florida A&M University's Bragg Stadium. The procession will then travel south down Perry and turn right onto Okaloosa Street, ending at Speed Spencer Stephens Park at the Corner of Okaloosa and Saxon streets.
At the park, there will be various activities, performers, and vendors for all ages to enjoy. In addition, African-American descendants of the Seminole American Indian tribe and reenactors representing the USCT and Buffalo Soldiers will be featured in living history demonstrations.
The celebration will continue later that evening at the third annual Emancipation & Abolitionist Ball. The event will be held from 8 p.m. - 1 a.m. at the Florida National Guard Armory, which is located on 1225 Easterwood Drive in Tallahassee.
Entertainment will be provided by the Leon Anderson Band featuring Avis Berry. Ball attendees are encouraged to wear Civil War period attire. An old-fashioned meal will be served.
All events are free and open to the public.
The 2nd Infantry Regiment USCT is an organization that partners with the John G. Riley House Museum of African-American History and Culture. The group promotes the history of the Civil War and the African American presence in pre-war, war, and post-war events.
For more information on the events and the USCT, visit www.rileymuseum.org. You can also call Jarvis Rosier at 850-509-0295.
