Watch the Emancipation Parade – Jan. 1 @ 11 AM
Burke High School to the African American History Museum

On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, to “forever free all slaves in southern states.” As well, the Proclamation announced the acceptance of Black men into the Union Army and Navy, enabling the liberated to become liberators.

In 1866, the city of Charleston hosted a parade in celebration of that proclamation. That celebration has continued for 155 years and will again take place in the Holy City on Saturday, January 1, 2022, the most consistent parade in the United States.

Heaven 100.1 will represent the Charleston Radio Group in this year’s event which assembles on New Year’s Day at Burke High School and disband at the International African American Museum. The parade is put on by the Emancipation Proclamation Association Incorporated, a nonprofit organization.

Please come out on Jan. 1 and join the celebration. Pick out a spot on the parade route and help to highlight our rich African heritage with pride.

You can also register here to participate in the parade. The parade lines up at Burke High School from 9 AM – 10:55 AM and leaves promptly at 11 AM.

Parade route: From Burke on Fishburne Street to Ashley Avenue, left on Ashley Ave., right on Sumter Street to King Street, right on King Street to Calhoun Street, left on Calhoun Street to Concord Street and disbands at the International African American Museum.

Because of the pandemic, the parade did not take place last year, but a virtual celebration was held, that you can watch here.