Emancipation Day is observed in Columbus, Mississippi, on May 8 each year to commemorate the emancipation of slaves in eastern Mississippi, which occurred on May 8, 1865, when Union troops arrived in the area. The holiday, known locally as “Eight o’ May,” includes cultural performances, special history lessons, and various events and activities celebrating freedom. While the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by Abraham Lincoln in 1863, many slaves in Mississippi remained enslaved until the end of the Civil War. The observance highlights the historical significance of emancipation in the region, where the majority of African Americans were plantation slaves at the time. Columbus and other cities in eastern Mississippi participate in these celebrations, reflecting on the struggles and resilience of those who fought for freedom.