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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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Latest

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...

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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: The 2022 DC Emancipation Day Parade and Concert

Last Date:


Join Mayor Muriel Bowser to Celebrate 2022 DC Emancipation Day 

The 2022 DC Emancipation Day Parade will begin at the cross section of Pennsylvania and 10th Streets NW, and travel to the cross section of Pennsylvania and 14th Streets NW. The DC Emancipation Day Concert will be held at Freedom Plaza and will conclude with a fireworks display.

2:00 – 3:00 pm - Parade

3:00 – 8:30 pm - Emancipation Day Concert

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