WASHINGTON — D.C. residents will celebrate Emancipation Day this weekend on Freedom Plaza. This year's celebration is on Sunday, April 14. Here's what to expect.
Festivities will kick off at 2 p.m. with a parade. Then, a concert follows. The concert is headlined by Grammy-nominated R&B artists Ginuwine and Kelly Price. There will also be performances by Go-Go acts Black Alley and EU featuring Sugar Bear, in true D.C. fashion.
If go-go isn't your thing, Ricky Dillard and the New Generation is on the bill, along with jazz musician Marcus Johnson. You'll also have a chance to check out "Chocolate City Records," a stage play presented by Black Broadway.
East of the River Steelband, J'Ta and DJ Thrill round the day of performances out.
The celebration ends with fireworks at 8:30 p.m. The event is free to attend.
This year marks the 162nd anniversary of the DC Compensated Emancipation Act of 1862 on April 16. That day is recorded in history as the first step toward abolishing the institution of slavery. The law ended slavery in Washington, D.C. which freed approximately 3,100 individuals, reimbursed those who had legally owned these individuals, and offered the newly freed women and men money to emigrate.
It came nearly nine months before President Abraham Lincoln issued his Emancipation Proclamation.
Emancipation Day became an official holiday in 2005. April 16 commemorates the signing of the DC Compensated Emancipation Act and the courage and struggle of those who fought to make it a reality.
Road closures:
The following streets will be posted as Emergency No Parking on Sunday, April 14, 2024 from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.:
- Pennsylvania Avenue from 12th Street to 14th Street, NW
- E Street from 13th Street to 14th Street, NW
- 13th Street from E Street to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
The following streets will be closed to vehicle traffic on Sunday, April 14, 2024 from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.:
- Pennsylvania Avenue from 12th Street to 14th Street, NW
- E Street from 13th Street to 14th Street, NW
- 13th Street from E Street to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
The following streets will be posted as Emergency No Parking and closed to vehicle traffic on Sunday, April 14, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.:
- 9th Street from E Street to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
- Pennsylvania Avenue from 9th Street to 12th Street, NW
- 10th Street from E Street to Constitution Avenue, NW
- 11th Street from E Street to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
- 12th Street from E Street to Constitution Avenue, NW
RELATED: What is Emancipation Day in DC?
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