(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser kicked off the celebration of the 155th anniversary of Emancipation Day in Washington, DC. Emancipation Day honors President Abraham Lincoln’s signing of the Compensated Emancipation Act in 1862, which freed over 3,100 enslaved persons in the District of Columbia. As Mayor Bowser continues to push for inclusive prosperity, this year’s Emancipation Day events will celebrate DC’s progress in advancing racial equality and civil rights, and highlight the importance of the continued fight for DC statehood. Since Emancipation Day falls on the same day as the Easter holiday, the 2017 Emancipation Day activities will take place on Saturday, April 8.
This morning, Mayor Bowser attended the Full Democracy Champions Breakfast at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, where she continued “Charting the Course for Full Democracy for the Residents of Washington, DC,” this year’s theme for Emancipation Day. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) delivered the keynote.
On Saturday, April 8, Mayor Bowser will host the Emancipation Day Parade and the Emancipation Day Concert on Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. The parade will showcase champions of civil and voting rights, as well as school groups, to reflect upon the vision toward full democracy for DC residents. The Emancipation Day parade will be emceed by EZ Street (WKYS 93.9). The concert will include performances by: Johnny Gill, MC Lyte, Rare Essence and DJ Kool, Back Yard Band, Brass Funk Band, Brian Slaughter, Cam Anthony, Anna Mwalagho, Benjamin Gates, Carolyn Malachi, Etan Thomas and Family, Howard Hewett, and Frenchie Davis. Additional hosts of the concert include: Joe Clair (WPGC 95.5), Lamman Rucker (Actor), the Real Housewives of Potomac, and the Mayor’s Office of Cable, Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment. The concert is free and open to the public.
To learn more about these events and occasions happening around the city, visit emancipation.dc.gov.
Emancipation Day Parade
WHEN: Saturday, April 8, at 1 pm
WHERE: Parade route starts at 10th Street, NW, and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, and ends at the John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.
NOTE: Members of the public interested in marching with the Mayor are asked to meet at 12 pm, on the corner of 10th Street, NW, and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, in order to be ready to step off at 1:00 p.m. To walk with Mayor Bowser, register here.
*Closest Metros: Metro Center and Federal Triangle Metro Stations*
Emancipation Day Concert
WHEN: Saturday, April 8 at, 3 pm
WHERE: Freedom Plaza, 1455 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
NOTE: The concert will be family-friendly, including Truck Touch and DC food trucks in front of the John A. Wilson Building
*Closest Metros: Metro Center and Federal Triangle Metro Stations*
Emancipation Day Fireworks
WHEN: Saturday, April 8, at 9 pm
WHERE: Freedom Plaza, 1455 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
*Closest Metros: Metro Center and Federal Triangle Metro Stations*
Press interested in attending should RSVP to [email protected].