History

We welcome the public to explore the many years of the Emancipation Proclamation Association (EPA) activities in Charleston on this site. Historical information provided indicated the Association was formed by ministers and devoted citizens. Later, the ministers turned the operation over to lay members so they could devote more time to their ministry.

Deacon Albert W. Hunt, one of the early members of the Association, accepted the mantle and served as President. Among the early officers and committee members were:

William Simmons
Deacon Abraham Murrell
William Happy
William Grimball
Lucille Williams-Gadson, Treasurer
Rosa Mae Johnson
Rev. J. E. Dowling
Vermelle Alston
Earline Scott
Edna Simmons
Rosa Mae Latten

Longstanding ministers included: Revs. A. R. Blake(d), Benjamin Whipper(d), Fred Dawson(d), Alfred Williams, William A. Salley, and Rev. Samuel Price. Deacon Hunt kept the association moving forward. He was always present for meetings and never missed a parade. He was the drum major leading the parade on January 1, known as freedom day. Deacon Hunt was faithful in his duties and unrelenting in his desire to advance freedom in a more broader sense of the word.

Early meetings were held in members homes. Other meeting places included, New Holmes Street Baptist, St. Matthew Baptist, New Tabernacle Fourth Baptist Churches.
Other longstanding members are:

Elder Joseph Powell
Rev. Edward McClain
Rev. Ruben Brown(d)
Deacon Jonathan Riley
Deacon Grant(d)		Rice Harris(d)
Essie Mitchell(d)
Mattie Long(d)
Ruby Mitchell(d)
Margaret Smalls(d)
Mary Grant(d)
Bishop Jerry DeVoe(d)
Eva Dawson
Ruth DeVoe
Gail Blair
Annice Brown
Deacon Robert Crawford
Peggy Porter
Beverly Gadson-Birch
Yvonne Bellinger
Ethel L. Green
Ethel Taylor(d)
*d=deceased


Two of the major programs of the Emancipation Association were: the Watch Night Services and the New Year’s Day Parade. During the 80’s, the Association began awarding annual scholarships to area students (see Scholarships). Donations have been given to the elderly to assist with medication and contributions to various agencies.

See more information here