On April 16, 1862, while the Civil War still raged, President Abraham Lincoln signed into law the Compensated Emancipation Act, which released 3,100 enslaved persons held in involuntary servitude in the District of Columbia. Each slaveholder was paid an average of $300 per slave. This law struck a mighty blow against slavery that resulted in the Emancipation Proclamation nine months later. Until the early 1900s, yearly DC Emancipation Day celebrations were the most important observance in the African-American community in Washington, DC – exceeding the Fourth of July, Christmas and New Year holidays.
Come out and march with the "Stand Up! for Democracy in DC Coalition" in the DC Emancipation Day parade on Saturday, April 16, starting at Fourth Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, at 10:30 a.m. The parade will head to Freedom Plaza (14th and Pennsylvania), where a program will take place. Bring your issue to say: "First Freed – Last Free!" African wear, period costumes or chains are encouraged! For more information, contact Anise Jenkins at 202/232-2500, ext. 1, or anisej@nifcomm.com.