News Flash

The City of Jacksonville will mark the anniversary of the passage of the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery and servitude in all forms with a holiday and an observance.

In observance of the Freedom Day, the City Council passed a resolution naming the second Monday in December as a City Holiday. It is believed Jacksonville is the first municipality in the US to do so.

To mark the holiday, the Onslow Civic Affairs Committee will hold an observance at 6PM, Monday, December 11, in the City Council Chambers. 

Onslow District Attorney Ernie Lee will present a talk on current cases of Human Trafficking. The 13th Amendment is the foundation of the fight against modern day slavery in the form of human Trafficking. The Renowned Choir of St. Julia AME Zion Church will also perform. A history of Freedom Day will also be presented.

The date for the holiday was selected as falling between December 6, 1865, the date the 13th Amendment was ratified by the states and, December 18, 1865, the date the Proclamation of the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution was adopted.

The public is invited with special parking to be provided across the street and at City Hall during the ceremony. The action by the Jacksonville City Council closes City offices to mark the day annually on the second Monday of December. Because City Hall offices will be closed, doors for the event will not open until 5:15PM.