DC Emancipation Day

April 19th, 2026, the 21st Annual DC Emancipation Parade saw locals celebrating the end of slavery in the nation’s capital. On April 16th, 1862, more than 3,000 enslaved individuals were freed, making this the first major act of emancipation in the United States. Unofficial celebrations have been held since 1866, where the African-American community continues to celebrate with a large parade in Franklin Square.