Hickman’s Eighth of August events set

President Abraham Lincoln issued a preliminary Emancipation Proclamation on Sept. 22, 1862, as a date of freedom for more than 3 million slaves in the United States.

Lincoln issued the final Emancipation Proclamation declaring “that all persons held as slaves” within the rebel states “are, and henceforward shall be free.” The proclamation also called for the recruitment and establishment of black military units among the Union forces, with an estimated 180,000 African Americans serving in the army, while another 18,000 served in the navy.

The City of Hickman received word of the Emancipation Proclamation on Aug. 8, 1863 and has been celebrated every year since that date, where the older generation works to instill the tradition in the younger generation.

The Eighth of August events planned in Hickman will be held Aug. 2 – Aug. 8 as follows:

Aug. 2, 7 p.m., a church service will be held at Pleasant Hill MB Church, located at 903 Moscow Ave.

Aug. 3, 8:30 p.m., a Block Party” on the parking lot at E.W. James and Sons, 1212 S 7th St.

Aug. 4, 10 a.m., the annual Parade lines up at the bluff on Moscow Ave. (across from the Hickman Police Station) and travels down Moscow Ave., and on to S 7th St.; 12 noon Opening Ceremonies at Jeff Green Memorial Park with activities in the park until dusk

Aug. 5, everyone is invited to attend the church of their choice. At 6 p.m. a Fashion/Talent Show will be held at Fulton County High School, 2740 Moscow Ave.

Aug. 6, 4 p.m., School Supplies will be given away at Jeff Green Memorial Park on Bernal Ave.

Aug. 8, 7 p.m., the Annual Spirit Award Banquet and Scholarship announcement at Pleasant Hill Fellowship Hall. A donation of $20 is to aid in the continued effort to provide scholarships.