History
The Emancipation parade celebration has been held in Charleston since 1865, making it the most consistent parade in the United States. The Parade’s purpose is to celebrate the signing of the Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln to “forever free all slaves in southern states”. The document was signed and announced January 1, 1863 as the nation approached its 3rd year of the bloody civil war. Moreover, the Proclamation announced the acceptance of Black men into the Union Army and Navy, enabling the liberated to become liberators.
2026 Theme
“A Bridge Over Troubled Water”
Our 2025–2026 theme honors the transition from struggle to hope, emphasizing how the Emancipation Proclamation formed a bridge to freedom. It also invites us to reflect on our roles today in shaping a more just future for America and beyond.
Watch Night Service
December 31, 2025—Watch Night Service
From 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, at Morris Brown A.M.E. Church, in partnership with the Gullah Geechee Corridor, we will observe a traditional Watch Night vigil. This service recalls the night when our ancestors awaited the proclamation of freedom, bridging that legacy with our present.
January 2026 Parade
Conditions permitting, the parade will assemble on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at Burke High School and disband at Liberty Square. We are asking everyone, descendants and friends, to help us make this day a grand celebration. Let us highlight our rich African heritage with pride. We would like to capture the moment and tell the story of once conflict and now citizenship as we reflect on our past and create our future. We would like to thank organizations, institutions, and bands who participated in the past, see a map of them here.
In 2026, we are continuing our partnership with the International African American Museum (IAAM) to offer a complimentary entrance to the museum from 10AM to 4PM on January 1st. We will have two one-hour programs: the first at 1 p.m. and the second at 2:30 p.m. Registration is not required for the presentation(s) in the Center for Family History, but seating will be first-come, first-served based on room capacity. The link below is for museum entry only. For those hoping to attend the first session, we recommend selecting the 12:00 p.m., 12:30 p.m., or 1:00 p.m. time slots.
You can register online for passes now on the Museum’s website.
The parade lines up at Burke High School from 9:00 a.m. and leaves promptly at 11:00 a.m.
Parade route: From Burke on Fishburne Street to Ashley Avenue, left on Ashley Ave., right on Sumter Street to King Street, right on King Street to Calhoun Street, left on Calhoun Street to Concord Street, then a right to Laurens Street to Washington after the International African American Museum.
Participate in the Parade
The parade and celebration will only be a success if you, your organization, and your institution participate in it. We want you to join us by filling out the form and submitting your entry fee. The Emancipation Proclamation Association, Incorporated, is a Non-Profit Organization. Proceeds from sponsorships, participation, financial donations, and other gifts benefit the A.W. Hunt Educational Scholarship, awarded annually to qualifying high school students attending college.
Parade Rules and Policies
All Parade participants, please note parade rules and entry information. Thank you for your participation in the past and we appreciate your compliance with the following guidelines:
- NO revving of motorcycle engines per the City of Charleston regulations
- An authorized adult MUST accompany all children in the parade and always remain with them
- Children WILL NOT be allowed to ride on the hood or on the top of automobiles
- NO tossing OR throwing of candy or other items along parade route
- NO WEAPONS, CONCEALED OR OPEN CARRY, ARE ALLOWED ON THE FLOATS OR IN THE PARADE
Registration Form
Fill out the form below to stay in contact and/or to register for the 2026 Emancipation Proclamation Association Annual New Year’s Parade and Celebration on Thursday, January 1, 2026. The parade lineup is at 9:00 a.m. EST, with the parade starting at 11:00 a.m. EST.
You may also choose to print and mail a hard copy or email a copy of the form. The form should be emailed to emancipationpac.chs1@gmail.com or mailed to Emancipation Proclamation Association Inc./7823 Magellan Dr./North Charleston, SC/29420.
The entry fee can be paid online using PayPal or Credit/Debit Card.
Sign-up deadline is December 22, 2025, at 11:59pm ET
Fees and Sponsorships
Fees
The fee below allows participants to have up to five cars and a float in the parade.
If your organization/business plans to have 5+ cars and floats, you will be assessed an additional fee of $10 per car/float.
| Type | Cost |
| Personal vehicles | $25.00 |
| Small Organizations (up to 40 members) | $50.00 |
| Small Business (up to 40 employees) | $50.00 |
| Large Organizations (41+ members) | $100.00 |
| Large Business (41+ employees) | $100.00 |
| Religious Institutions | $100.00 |
Sponsors
Make a meaningful impact in our community by sponsoring Emancipation Proclamation Association, Inc. Your support helps build educated, safe, affordable communities for local families—and offers your business a valuable opportunity to give back.
Liberty
$500
✓ Amenity table sponsorship with a personalized sign
✓ Recognition via social media shoutouts
Freedom
$1,000
✓ Prominent signage at event(s)
✓ Social media recognition
✓ ¼ page ad
Victory
$3,000
✓ Prominent table sponsor signage
✓ Sponsor info included on EPA. Inc schedule
✓ Social media recognition
✓ Entry for 5 members to participate in the events
✓ ½ half page ad
Emancipation
$10,000
✓ Prominent recognition at the registration table
✓ Social media recognition
✓ Entry for (2) 8 person tables to participate at Special events
✓ Full page advertising in booklets
Charleston Emancipation Proclamation Association 