Gunn family brings back Quincy’s Emancipation Day Celebration after 13-Year pause

Dr. Deborah Thigpen Gadsden County News Service

After a 13-year break, the Gunn family brought back their beloved Emancipation Day celebration to Quincy, reviving a tradition that has spanned generations. Held on the Gunn family’s property in St. Mary’s, along Hwy 65, the event marked a momentous return to honoring the cultural and historical significance of Florida's Emancipation Day. The celebration began with an opening prayer by Bishop John Battles of St. Peter Apostolic Church, setting a reverent tone for the day’s activities. Latrenda Gainous Carroll, a prominent member of the Gunn family, delivered a warm welcome to all attendees, acknowledging the importance of this day. Regina Gainous-Dukes followed with a stirring recounting of the history behind Emancipation Day, providing attendees with valuable context about its significance. One of the event’s highlights was a musical tribute, in which the Gunn family performed a powerful rendition of a song (to be named). The performance was a moving homage to the historical day, underscoring the importance of freedom, family and unity. The day marked 870 days after the Emancipation Proclamation, signed by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, was officially delivered to Tallahassee on May 20, 1865. This pivotal moment declared all enslaved persons in Confederate states “henceforward, and forever free.” It was Union General McCook and his soldiers who helped liberate Florida, taking control of the state from Confederate forces and ensuring the freedom of those enslaved. May 20, 1865, is now celebrated as Florida’s official Emancipation Day, a day that holds deep cultural and historical meaning for the state. The Gunn family, led by the late Samuel Bernard Gunn (S.B. Gunn), has honored this day for over 80 years, starting the tradition on Hwy 65. S.B. Gunn, a beloved community figure, was known for his generosity. He would personally fry the fish he caught and provide food for everyone attending the celebration, never charging a dime. His generosity extended to feeding hundreds, sometimes even thousands, without expecting anything in return. The Gunn family continues to uphold his legacy by offering a feast each year as part of the celebration, free of charge, continuing the tradition of giving back to the community. This year’s celebration was attended by over 500 community members, both young and old, who enjoyed an array of activities that brought together the spirit of the event. Attendees participated in games, indulged in a soul food buffet, and danced into the night, creating an atmosphere of joy and unity. With boots on the ground and fans popping, the event provided a festive and lively environment — exactly as envisioned by S.B. Gunn and Eva Gunn Gainous Leonard, family matriarch, who sought to create a sense of togetherness and celebration for the community. The Gunn family’s celebration of Emancipation Day revived a powerful remembrance of freedom and reinforced their enduring commitment to honoring the legacy of the once-enslaved ancestors who labored on the plantations, a history that continues to shape Gadsden County, Florida, and the nation. The Gadsden County Sheriff's Department also had a strong presence at the event to ensure everyone’s safety, allowing the celebration to unfold without incident and ensuring a fun time for all attendees. For the Gunn family, the Emancipation Day celebration is more than just a historical commemoration; it’s a testament of love to preserving their heritage. Rooted in a generational commitment to community and fueled by the passion to continue the annual May 20th gathering, the Gunn family’s dedication is a tribute to the values S.B. Gunn championed throughout his life. Their resolute dedication ensures his legacy lives on through this cherished tradition, ensuring future generations are connected to the history and values that shaped their community. This year’s celebration was a reminder of the importance of Emancipation Day and the legacy of those who fought for freedom, as well as the ongoing effort to honor those who paved the way for future generations. Community partners and sponsors included Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners, Aegis Scott Sports Foundation, Inc, James A. Shanks Middle School, North Florida Vault, Travis Barkley Detailing, Gee & Lee Law Firm, Gadsden Seafood, Michael Brown (Browns Farms Sawdust Community), The City of Quincy Recreation Center, Pinky and Al Hall (Tillman Funeral Home), Sheriff Morris A. Young and The Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office and TaShonda Whaley (Emergency Operations Center).

Gunn family brings back Quincy’s Emancipation Day Celebration after 13-Year pause

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Gunn family brings back Quincy’s Emancipation Day Celebration after 13-Year pause

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Blueberry farms open for the season hosting large crowds of customers

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