Emancipation Proclamation signing commemorated in Selma

From the West Alabama Newsroom–

Folks in Selma spent the first day of 2025 commemorating a historic event that happened 162 years ago — at one of the city’s historic churches.

The annual commemoration of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation was held at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church.

President Lincoln signed the historic document freeing the slaves — on January 1, 1863.

The annual program is part of a continuing effort — to encourage black people to learn their history — for themselves.

“We’re trying to educate our children, the community to stay abreast of our story,” said Cindy Owens.

“Learn what happened so that it will never happen again.”

The theme of this year’s program — was African-Americans and Labor.

The commemoration is sponsored by the Selma-Dallas County Emancipation Proclamation Committee.