What is Emancipation Day?The DC Compensated Emancipation Act of 1862 ended slavery in Washington, DC, freed 3,100 individuals, reimbursed those who had legally owned them and offered the newly freed women and men money to emigrate. It is this legislation, and the courage and struggle of those who fought to make it a reality, that we commemorate every April 16, DC Emancipation Day. |
The Honorble Frank Smith invites you to attend a reception and candlelight vigil at the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum in honor of the 150th Anniversary of DC Emancipation Day.
