Join Yollie of Explore Jax Core for a powerful 1.5-hour walking tour commemorating Florida’s Emancipation Day, first recognized on May 20, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Tallahassee and read the Emancipation Proclamation aloud — officially ending slavery in the state.
160 years later, we gather in the heart of LaVilla to honor that moment. Starting at Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park, this guided walk explores key historic sites in Jacksonville where the stories of emancipation and the ongoing pursuit of justice still echo today.

Your guide: Yollie from Explore Jax Core

Led by Yollie, a knowledgeable and passionate guide, the experience blends storytelling, historical insight, and community reflection to honor the people, places, and events that shaped the fight for freedom in Florida

Suitable for all ages, this walking tour encourages dialogue, inspires pride, and connects participants to a powerful chapter of our shared past that continues to shape our present.