In California, planners have organized family gatherings, picnics and other events to mark that historic event.
Emancipation Day in California: April 15 – EDD offices are open on this legal holiday.
This Day is celebrated in many former British colonies in the Caribbean and areas of the United States on various dates in observance of the emancipation of slaves of African descent. It is also observed in other areas in regard to the abolition of serfdom or other forms of servitude.
January 1, 2013, marked the 150th Anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln signing the executive order of the Emancipation Proclamation.
Source: ca.gov