Florida Emancipation Day and FAMU Farm Fest Celebrate History, Agriculture, and Community Engagement

Brooksville, Fla. —The Florida A&M University Brooksville Agricultural and Environmental Research Station (BAERS) hosted a day of healthy family fun, cultural reflection, and agricultural discovery during the Florida Emancipation Day and FAMU Farm Fest, featuring Natalie Kahler, author of Fielder Harris (Elizabeth Robins Diary Podcast) and Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilson Simpson as keynote.

Presented in partnership by the Tampa Bay History Center and Florida A&M University (FAMU), this special event, held Saturday, May 17, commemorated the 160th anniversary of Florida Emancipation Day, marking the historic moment on May 20, 1865, when the Emancipation Proclamation was officially announced in Tallahassee, freeing enslaved people in Florida.

“Farm Fest has always been an engaging event for our Cooperative Extension faculty to engage the community. Extension is the outreach arm of the University’s land-grant mission delivering research-based education and information to Florida’s citizens. I was excited to present this inaugural FAMU Farm Fest at BAERS. It was a FAMUly Reunion for a day of education, fun and history,” said Vonda H. Richardson, director, Cooperative Extension Program in the College of Agricultural Food Sciences (CAFS).  

Dean of the CAFS Dale Wesson, Ph.D. welcomed attendees to a day filled with educational exhibits, interactive activities, local food, live entertainment, and opportunities to learn about Florida’s agricultural roots and rich African American history. Remarks were brought by U.S. Representative Gus Bilirakis, Florida’s 12^th Congressional District.

The event also highlighted the mission of the land-grant system at FAMU, which integrates teaching, research, and extension (outreach) to build a better, more equitable future for all. The Farm Fest is designed to raise public awareness of how land-grant institutions like FAMU work to uplift communities through education, innovation, and engagement. We’re excited to welcome families, farmers, producers, and neighbors from Hernando and surrounding counties to this one-of-a-kind celebration.

About The FAMU Cooperative Extension Program

The FAMU Cooperative Extension Program is the outreach arm of the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences at Florida A&M University, an 1890 land-grant institution. It serves diverse clientele through programs in the following areas: 4-H Youth Development, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Community Resource Development, and Youth, Family, and Community. For more information about the FAMU Cooperative Extension Program, visit: https://www.cafs.famu.edu/cooperative-extension.

Media Contact:

Rachel James-Terry
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu 

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