DC Emancipation Commemoration and Wreath Laying Program
Presented by DC Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. and African American Civil War Memorial Freedom Foundation and Museum
In honour of
To find support and resources for federal workers, visit fedsupport.dc.gov.
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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. |