Join us as we celebrate the unique legacy of freedom in the nation’s capital, while pursuing the fight for DC Statehood. New to the parade this year are floats designed by local students as part of Mayor Muriel Bower’s DC Emancipation Day Float Design Competition.

Join us for a free concert as national and local recording artists take the stage to celebrate DC Emancipation Day and the movement for DC Statehood. Stay tuned for this year’s line-up of special guests!

Freedom Plaza | 3:00pm - 8:30pm 

On April 16, 1862, the DC Compensated Emancipation Act was signed to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia. Over 3,000 enslaved persons were freed 8 months before the Emancipation Proclamation liberated slaves in the South. The District also has the distinction of being the only part of the United States to have compensated slave owners for freeing enslaved persons they held. It is this legislation, and the courage and struggle of those who fought to make it a reality, that we commemorate every April 16th, DC Emancipation Day.