DC Emancipation Day 2024

Sunday, April 14th: 2-4 pm – D.C. Emancipation Day: From Franklin Park to Mount Vernon Square – Hear why D.C.’s enslaved persons were granted freedom nine months before nation-wide emancipation occurred and where annual celebrations were held. The walk concludes inside the D.C. History Center, where participants can view DC Home Rule 50, a photography exhibit that explores the themes of free elections, self-governance, full citizenship and D.C. statehood.

Sunday, April 14th: D.C. GOVERNMENT EVENTS
2 pm – PARADE – Pennsylvania Avenue & 10th Street NW
3 pm – CONCERT – Freedom Plaza – Pennsylvania Avenue NW (between 13th & 14th streets)
8:30 pm – FIREWORKS – Freedom Plaza

Tuesday, April 16th: 10 am – 5 pm – District Day Trunk Show, National Museum of African American History and Culture, Heritage Hall, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW. Live performances, conversations and a special District Day menu from the Sweet Home Café.

Tuesday, April 16th: 12 noon – Franklin Square – Remembrance of Ms. Loretta Carter Hanes – Friends of D.C. Emancipation Day will gather to remember Ms. Hanes, Wesley Hanes, Peter Hanes (and Cynthia “Cindy” Hanes who is still with us), as well as the 2,989 enslaved persons emancipated on April 16, 1862. All “Foot Soldiers” are welcome to attend.

Tuesday, April 16th: 2 pm – D.C. Emancipation Day Talk – African American Civil War Memorial, 1925 Vermont Avenue NW (U St/African-Amer Civil War Memorial/Cardozo Metro).

[Hat-tip to Ms. BRENDA SAYLES for compiling this information.]