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. |
Open conversation lead by DC Statehood activists will feature DC Emancipation and fundamental rights of citizens.
Learn why statehood is as important a concept now as it was in 1862 and the differences today.
