Are you ready for DC’s Emancipation Day Celebration? Clear your calendar — it’s going down!
Join Mayor Muriel Bowser and an all-star talent line up on Saturday April 13 at Freedom Plaza in Washington, D.C. This year we look forward to celebrating one of the reasons that makes living in the District of Columbia so special — all while coming together with a community of family and friends from all 8 Wards.
In April, the District celebrates Emancipation Day to recognize the freedom of more than 3,000 D.C. slaves which took place on April 16, 1862.
The D.C. Emancipation occurred eight months before President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. Two and a half years later, slavery was officially abolished nationwide and commemorated each year on June 19, also known as Juneteenth.
The Emancipation Day festivities will take place on Saturday, April 13. The parade starts at 2 p.m. at Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 10th Street and 14th Street NW.
The concert kicks off at 3 p.m. at Freedom Plaza and will feature an all-star lineup of artists including Faith Evans, Mya, Doug E. Fresh, Master Gee of the Sugar Hill Gang, Kenny Lattimore and more. The concert at Freedom Plaza also features many of D.C.’s own homegrown talent such as EU featuring Sugar Bear, DJ Rico, Little Bacon Bear, Spur of the Moment Band, Passion Band and more. The festivities will end with fireworks over Freedom Plaza.
We are excited to celebrate with you! Let us know which artist you look forward to seeing at this year’s 2019 Emancipation Day Celebration. Make sure to RSVP. See you there!
