The Emancipation Proclamation took effect on January 1, 1863. On the sixth anniversary of this event, black and white Minnesotans organized an event in St. Paul to commemorate emancipation. Ingersoll Hall was decorated with images of Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, and several prominent Minnesotans spoke to the large crowd.

Only one African American spoke, a man from Wisconsin; his first name was not recorded, and neither was the content of his speech. This poster promoted the event and encouraged black Minnesotans to attend.

Eight days later, the Minnesota government amended the state constitution to grant voting rights to all citizens of the United States, including African Americans. American Indians were almost entirely excluded.