About
Welcome to the website of the Charleston Emancipation Proclamation Association (EPA). We are a volunteer based organization that works to promote education, service, and the history of the Emancipation Proclamation, signed by President Abraham Lincoln on September 22, 1862 and was effective on January 1, 1863.
The following pages will provide you information about the history of the organization, our activities, and images and videos from events.
Introducing the 2026 Grand Marshals
We are pleased to announce that our 2026 theme is A Bridge Over Troubled Waters, and we welcome our 2026 Grand Marshals: Dr. Thaddeus John Bell and Mrs. Cynthia Alston Bell.
Congratulations to the 2026 Emancipation King and Queen
St. Matthew Baptist Church Family won the 2026 King and Queen Pageant. This year’s Winners are King Legion Whiteside and Queen Savanna Bennings. We want to thank each of the Churches that participated and those who donated to our event; it was a complete success because of each of you.
Save the Date for 2026
Join us on Thursday, January 1, 2026, for our annual parade and activities. Registration will be available in the summer of 2025.
Winner of A.W. Hunt, Jr. Scholarship
Congratulations to Leah Currence as the 2025 winner, she will be majoring in Biology at the College of Charleston.
Letter from the EPA President
Robert Crawford provides an update on 2024 plans
Support the Association
The Emancipation Proclamation Association appreciates your support in sustaining our activities and the Albert W. Hunt scholarship. By making a contribution, you will help us to support educational goals and promote the awareness of Black history.
You can click the button to donate online or mail a check or money order to Emancipation Proclamation Charleston | P.O. BOX 31365 | Charleston, SC, SC 29417
Charleston Emancipation Proclamation Association 