The Abolition of Slavery took place on April 16, 1862. Over 3,000 enslaved persons were freed nine months before the Emancipation Proclamation liberated slaves in the south.

Join Mayor Muriel Bowser for the 154th Anniversary of the District of Columbia Emancipation! Festivities at Freedom Plaza include a parade, fireworks, food and a free star-studded concert featuring:

• Raheem Devaughn
• Sweet Honey in the Rock
• Trouble Funk
• Be'la Dona
• Rare Essence
• Black Alley
• April Sampe
• 4ey
• And more!

#DCEmancipationDay
Freedom Plaza, 14th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

For a full listing of events, visit emancipation.dc.gov/events.