DC Celebrates 150 Years of Freedom

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)Marking the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia, DC Emancipation Day celebrations will be ongoing over the next five days. Events marking the day President Abraham Lincoln freed 3,100 enslaved people in DC -- making them the "first freed" by the federal government -- kick off today at 2p with a March Through the Monuments at which AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka and Metro Council President Jos Williams will speak. More activities follow throughout the weekend, culminating with the DC Emancipation Day Parade on Monday, which will feature 3,100 marchers,  representing each of the freed DC slaves, as well as a street festival, concert and fireworks show. Community members are invited to join in the Emancipation Day Parade as grand marshals by downloading this form and returning it to the Office of Councilmember Vincent Orange. For more information contact Estelle Lloyd at elloyd@dccouncil.us. - photo courtesy of the Office of Councilmember Orange