Washingtonians packed the streets around Freedom Plaza on Sunday to commemorate D.C. Emancipation Day. The citywide celebration featured live music, a parade and fireworks to close out the night. For many residents and community members, the event was about more than recognizing history — it was a time to celebrate unity and joy.
Although the official date of D.C. Emancipation Day is April 16. This year’s public celebration took place over the weekend. The day commemorates the signing of the Compensated Emancipation Act of 1862, a historic piece of legislation that led to more than 3,100 enslaved people being freed in D.C.
“It means a lot to me because we’ve suffered for this, and seeing the celebration as native from Washington means a lot,” said Louis Sanders, an attendee.
Wednesday marks the day President Lincoln signed the Compensated Emancipation Act of 1862 which freed enslaved people, specifically in D.C., and compensated their owners $300 for each person. This law was passed one year before the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, which stated all enslaved people should be freed in the Confederate states.
Amina Wague, a junior at Howard University, said the event helped bridge a gap she often felt between campus and the city.
”Especially being at Howard, you feel a little distant from the community members,” Wague said. “So, it’s really important that we are all here together regardless of where everyone’s from.”
Wague shared she felt extremely excited to see so many different cultures and communities represented at the event.
“I’m really happy to be out here and see the community come together,” Wague said. “And also I’m really glad to see people that are not Black coming out to celebrate.”
Organizations at this year’s festivities included Art to Go-Go, which set up multiple booths where local artists displayed their work. The organization gave attendees an opportunity to engage with D.C.’s creative community, support local talent and experience how art plays a role in honoring Black history.
“For us, art means expression and it’s an outlet for community and growth, and so we came here to have fun and celebrate,” said Ashley Templeton, programs and marketing manager for Art to Go-Go. “There is no discrimination through arts. We are all inclusive in terms of creativity and expression, so we are really excited to celebrate that.”
Sol Ros, a Minnesota native, was among the local artists who showcased their work. Her collection featured rings, earrings and other jewelry.
“I love that my community is recognized,” Ros said. “We need parades, but I wish it was bigger and more people knew about the event.”
Ros said she was not familiar with D.C. Emancipation Day.
“I really wanted to come out here today because in other places I’ve lived, there’s not really a celebration for emancipation day, and I wanted to see what it feels like to be celebrated,” she said.
While thousands of enslaved people were freed following the signing of the Compensated Emancipation Act, attendees expressed their frustration towards seeing the Black community still struggling to have inclusivity and opportunities across all sectors.
The D.C. Department of Employment Services reported that the District lost nearly 14,000 jobs so far this year, with declines in both the public and private sectors. More specifically, Black people make up almost 11% of the unemployed in D.C. And, the Educational and Health sector had a decline of 1,300 jobs compared to last month.
”I work with a nonprofit so I’m affected directly, so losing that funding and losing certain jobs is a loss,” said Treyonna Renee, who works in youth support in the district. “But, coming here kinda gives hope and spreads awareness, which is needed.”
Jordan Jarrett is a reporter for HUNewsService.com.
A DAY OFF: While it’s not a federal holiday, April 16 is recognized as a public holiday in the District of Columbia, and many services will be closed, including the Department of Motor Vehicles. Trash collection will shift to Thursday.
TYING THE PAST TO THE PRESENT: The event not only celebrated the signing of an historic legislation, but also brought together a rich tapestry of cultures and communities for a day of remembrance. Click below to scroll through pictures from the day’s festivities.
