April 16, 1862 marks the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia. Over 3,000 enslaved persons were freed eight months before the Emancipation Proclamation liberated slaves in the South. The District also has the distinction of being the only part of the United States to have compensated slave owners for freeing enslaved persons they held.
For the full History of Emancipation Day go to:
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For a look back at prior DC Voice Emancipation Day posts see:
Emancipation Day in the District
and
What Does Freedom Mean During the history of 157th Emancipation Day Celebration?