emancipation

DC Emancipation Day

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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.

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Apr 12 2018

Mayor Bowser to Host Emancipation Day Full Democracy Champions Breakfast

The discussion will include Congressional attempts to overturn DC’s gun laws.

Apr 7 2017

Mayor Bowser Announces 2017 Emancipation Day Festivities

(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser kicked off the celebration of the 155th anniversary...

Apr 15 2016

Scheduled Street Closures: 2016 Emancipation Day Parade

Some closures begin at 7:30 am Saturday, April 16.

Apr 13 2016

Mayor Bowser Announces 2016 Emancipation Day Festivities

The theme for this year’s Emancipation Day is Championing Full Democracy for the residents of...

Apr 12 2016

A Letter from Councilmember Vincent Orange

On April 16, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the District of Columbia Compensated...

DC Emancipation

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John A. Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Room 419, Washington, DC 20004
Phone: (202) 727-6306

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Mayor Bowser Presents: Becoming Douglass Commonwealth, from DC Disenfranchisement to Full Democracy

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Mayor Muriel Bowser Presents….Becoming Douglass Commonwealth
From DC Disenfranchisement to Full Democracy

Hosted by Andrea Roane and Bruce Johnson
Narrated by Ralph Wesley

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