Mayor Gray Announces Plans for Year-long DC Emancipation Celebration
Last week, Mayor Vincent C. Gray and At-Large Councilmember Vincent Orange announced events and activities, as well as introduced partnerships and unveiled a website to kick off the 2012 District of Columbia Emancipation Day and 150th Commemorative Anniversary of the Emancipation Act in the District of Columbia. Mayor Gray also presented a proclamation in recognition of this special occasion at the African American Civil War Museum.
The year 2012 marks the 150th Commemorative Anniversary of the Emancipation Act in the District of Columbia and includes a year-long celebration of educational and cultural events and activities throughout the city. April 16, 2012 is D.C. Emancipation Day in the District and is an official city government holiday.
The D.C. Compensated Emancipation Act of 1862 ended slavery in Washington, D.C., freed 3,100 individuals, reimbursed those who had legally owned them and offered the newly freed women and men money to move on to a better life. District residents commemorate the Act, and the courage and struggles of those who fought to make it a reality, on D.C. Emancipation Day each year.
Bates Area Civic Association 