emancipation

DC Emancipation Day

On Wednesday, February 20, the DC government will be closed. For updates on delays and closures at DC Public Charter Schools, families can track the DC Public Charter School Board’s inclement weather page. The Cold Emergency Plan is in effect.

Emancipation Day 2019

Come celebrate with us Saturday, April 13, 2019 at the 2019 DC Emancipation Day parade, concert and fireworks.

Participant registration for the 2019 DC Emancipation Day Parade is now open.

Mayor Muriel Bowser's Float Design Competition - Elementary, middle and high school students in the District of the Columbia are invited to participate in the float design competion. Get competition rules and guidelines here.

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.