The D.C. Emancipation Day Moment On April 16, 1862, President
Abraham Lincoln signed the District of Columbia Compensated
Emancipation Act. His signature 150 years ago freed 3,100 slaves
within the nation's capital and pushed forward the arc of
freedom for all African-Americans. It is still felt to this day
-- especially this past week with D.C.'s sesquicentennial
celebrations all around town. Many of us began with a walk
around the monuments at the National Mall, especially those of
Lincoln and King, went to Frederick Douglass's home in
Anacostia, Lincoln's Cottage at the Old Soldiers' Home, and
concerts at Lincoln Theatre. On the holiday itself, many enjoyed
a parade, speeches and fireworks at Freedom Plaza. There was a
brunch at the Hamilton Restaurant and a party at Lincoln
Restaurant. Many in the District government have been pushing
for making the holiday bigger, especially Councilmember Vincent
Orange. They deserve our thanks. At Georgetown University, a
April 17 commemorative program instructed on the