emancipation

DC Emancipation Day

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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Press Releases

Apr 10 2024

Mayor Bowser to Host 2024 DC Emancipation Day Festivities

Sunday, April 14, Mayor Muriel Bowser will kick off annual DC Emancipation Day festivities that the...

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

Ask the Secretary

Tour the Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site

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Tour the Carter G. Woodson House

Schedule a special tour of the Carter G. Woodson Home NHS during National Park Week. April 21, 22 and 23, 2017. Please call (202) 690-51582 to make a reservation. Tour size limited to 20 people. Opening weekends Memorial Day to Labor Day. See website for reservation information starting April 15.