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. |
Peter Hanes, Reading Is Fundamental, Dr. Frank Smith, the African American Civil War Museum will conduct a Wreath Laying Ceremony at the memorial in honor of the African American Colored Troops and Sailors in served in the cause for freedom. Immediately following, Dr. Frank Smith will lead a “calling of the names” of the 209,145 USCT who served.
