(Washington, DC) – On Sunday, April 13, Mayor Muriel Bowser will host the District’s 20th annual DC Emancipation Day festivities, and residents from all eight wards are invited to join. The free, day-long celebration begins with a parade, continues with a concert at Freedom Plaza featuring world-renowned talent, and concludes with a fireworks display.
The concert will be hosted by Britt Waters of ABC 7News, with musical performances by Anthony Hamilton, Chante Moore, Crank Crusaders Featuring Raheem DeVaughn, Black Alley, Tim Bowman, Jr., DJ Kool, and the Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel Choir. Live radio broadcasts, interactive activations, and food trucks will be featured throughout the day. For the full performance lineup and more information, visit emancipation.dc.gov.
DC Emancipation Day commemorates the signing of the Compensated Emancipation Act of 1862 by President Abraham Lincoln, which freed more than 3,100 enslaved people in the District of Columbia. This year marks 20 years since the legislation that made Emancipation Day an official District holiday, which was introduced by former Councilmember Vincent Orange, was signed into law.
Residents are encouraged to RSVP here.
DC Emancipation Day Parade and Festival
2 pm
- Starting location: Intersection of Pennsylvania Ave NW and 10th St NW
- Ending location: Freedom Plaza, 1455 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
- Those interested in participating in the parade can RSVP here
DC Emancipation Day Concert
4 pm
- Freedom Plaza, 1455 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Fireworks Display
8:30 pm
- Freedom Plaza, 1455 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
The DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment will provide a live feed of this event. To view the event, visit mayor.dc.gov/live, tune in on Channel 16 (DCN).
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