Washington, DC

(Washington, DC) – Starting on Friday, April 14, Mayor Muriel Bowser and members of her Administration will kick off four days of DC Emancipation Day festivities that the community is invited to join. DC Emancipation Day honors the day President Abraham Lincoln signed the Compensated Emancipation Act of 1862, which freed over 3,100 enslaved persons in the District of Columbia.

On Friday, April 14 at 12 pm, Mayor Bowser and the Office of the Secretary will host the sixth annual Full Democracy Champions Luncheon with this year’s theme being “Defending DC Values.” The 2023 Full Democracy Champions Luncheon will commemorate the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia 161 years ago. It will also mark the 50th anniversary of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act with a renewed call for DC statehood. Press interested in attending the event are asked to RSVP with Joshua Collins at [email protected].

12 pm

2023 Full Democracy Champions Luncheon
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Ballroom A (801 Mount Vernon Place NW)

On Saturday, April 15, Mayor Bowser, the Mayor’s Office on Community Affairs, and the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment will host the DC Emancipation Day Parade and Concert. The celebration begins with the Mayor leading the parade, followed by an all-star DC Emancipation Day Concert at Freedom Plaza featuring Dru Hill, Rakim, Black Alley, and other artists. The full list of performers can be found here. WUSA9’s Emmy award-winning news anchors Lesli Foster and Lorenzo Hall will serve as this year’s hosts. Food trucks will be selling food on-site, including gourmet hot dogs, soul food, pizza, ribs, Mexican food, and other cuisine. Festivities will conclude with fireworks at Freedom Plaza at 8:30 pm. Press interested in attending the event are asked to RSVP to [email protected].

2 pm

DC Emancipation Day Parade
Starting location: Pennsylvania Ave NW Between 10th and 14th Streets NW
Ending location: Freedom Plaza 1455 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

3 pm 

DC Emancipation Day Concert
Freedom Plaza
1455 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

8:30 pm 

Fireworks Display
Freedom Plaza
1455 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

On Sunday, April 16 at 10 am, the DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment and the Department of Parks and Recreation will host Family Fun Day at Black Lives Matter Plaza. The activation will feature live radio broadcasts and music from Gospel, R&B, and Go-Go artists, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Washington DC. Cast members of the The Giz, an adaptation of The Wiz, will take the stage to highlight the hit musical. In addition, Sunday’s event will include food trucks, as well as fitness activities, games for kids, and other fun activities for the whole family. Registration for this event can be done here. Press interested in attending the event are asked to RSVP with Michelle Bailey at [email protected].

10 am 
Family Fun Day
Black Lives Matter Plaza

On Monday, April 17 at 10 am, the Mayor’s Office on African American Affairs will cap off the festivities with an Emancipation Day celebration at the Smithsonian National Museum of the African American History and Culture. The event includes live performances, guided conversations, and a special District Day menu from the Sweet Home Café. Registration is required to attend, which can be done here. Press interested in attending the event are asked to RSVP with Whitney Sweetwine at [email protected].

10 am 

District Day
National Museum of African American History and Culture (1400 Constitution Avenue NW)

The DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment will provide a live feed of the Saturday’s festivities. To view the event, visit mayor.dc.gov/live, tune in on Channel 16 (DCN) or watch on Mayor Bowser’s Facebook or Twitter.

Social Media:
Mayor Bowser Twitter: @MayorBowser
Mayor Bowser Instagram: @Mayor_Bowser
Mayor Bowser Facebook: facebook.com/MayorMurielBowser
Mayor Bowser YouTube: https://www.bit.ly/eomvideos