Birmingham Emancipation Association is the oldest continually running celebration in the state of Alabama that has annually recognized and celebrated the Observance of The Signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. January 1st of each year the Association held a program at a local church. On Wednesday, January 1, 2014, the program will held at Bethel Baptist Church, Berney Points, 1637 Pearson Avenue Southwest, Birmingham, Alabama, 35211 at 10 a. m. where the Reverend William H. Greason is Pastor. The speaker was Mr. Jarvis E. Patton, Sr. The goals of the celebration are as follows:
1. To commemorate the January 1, 1863 signing of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln that in principle “freed the slaves.”
2. To recognize local citizens/organizations in the greater Birmingham area that have made outstanding contributions for the betterment of society in religion, business, politics, education, media, science, fine arts, etc..
3. To generate funds that support local youth in their college pursuit (endeavor). Since 1999 the Birmingham Emancipation Association has awarded scholarships to over seventy (70) youth (graduating high school students) to begin college. This scholarship is named for former president, the late Dr. W. C. Patton, who served as Alabama Voting Rights Director.
