15th Amendment
Another milestone in the march toward freedom and equality celebrated in St. Augustine; the right to vote for African American men:
Fifteenth Amendment Day
On July 23, 1870, St. Augustine was awakened at dawn by a U. S. Army cannon heralding the passage of the 15th Amendment.
At 9:00 AM, army drums were heard and the African American community, dressed in their Sunday best, found places to watch the grand procession through the city to the plaza.
Of the several speeches given, that of the Hon. Jonathan C. Gibbs, the African American State Secretary of Education, was the best received. Even White Conservatives lauded him for his tempered advice on the good conduct and education of children.
Fifteenth Amendment Day became a holiday in many cities.
Jacksonville celebrated it on May 30, 1895 with a parade, speeches, and music in the evening.