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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Press Releases

Apr 11 2025

Modified District Government Services for DC Emancipation Day

(Washington, DC) – On Wednesday April 16, District Government will observe the DC...

Apr 9 2025

Mayor Bowser to Host DC Emancipation Day 20th Anniversary Parade, Festival, and Concert

(Washington, DC) – On Sunday, April 13, Mayor Muriel Bowser will host the District’s...

Apr 10 2024

Mayor Bowser to Host 2024 DC Emancipation Day Festivities

(Washington, DC) – Starting on Sunday, April 14, Mayor Muriel Bowser will kick off annual DC...

Apr 7 2017

Mayor Bowser Announces 2017 Emancipation Day Festivities

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

Apr 15 2016

Scheduled Street Closures: 2016 Emancipation Day Parade

The Metropolitan Police Department and the Department of Transportation would like to inform the...

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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Reconstruction: The Struggle for Freedom, Justice and Equality, Then and Now!

Last Date:

Hosted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and the Department of Forensic Sciences, featuring keynote speaker Ronald Mason, Jr., President of the University of the District of Columbia.