DeLand celebrates Emancipation Day

On March 21, 2022 a wonderful and joyful event took place in the DeLand community as citizens gathered at the Noble “Thin Man” Watts amphitheater to celebrate Emancipation Day.

The event was one of the first held since the colorful mural created by Seattle artist Moses Sun was added to the amphitheater. Sun worked together with community partners to paint the mural.

Grady Ballenger, co-Chair of Volusia Remembers Coalition, thanked Sharon Stafford, Mary Allen and Reggie Williams for their work in putting together the event.

A few highlights of the day are shown here.

Reenactors of the US general and Black troops who presented the Emancipation Order in May 1865,,

Remembering history: a moving and spot-on presentation of a speech by Frederick Douglass

VRC Co-Chair Sharon Stafford recognizing the winner of a student essay contest.