Past, Present & Power: Emancipation Day 2025

On April 13th, Washington, D.C. came alive in honor of Emancipation Day—marking the 20th anniversary of the 1862 signing of the D.C. Compensated Emancipation Act, which freed over 3,000 enslaved people in the District, nine months before the Emancipation Proclamation.

From the lively parade to powerful performances, community conversations and joyful reunions, the event was a full-circle celebration of freedom, resilience and culture.

D.C. showed up and showed out—with music, dance and storytelling bringing everyone together. The streets pulsed with a sense of pride and purpose as artists, activists, families and friends gathered to honor the past and envision a liberated future.

Performances by Anthony Hamilton, Chante Moore, Tim Bowman Jr. and Faith City, The Crank Crusaders featuring Raheem DeVaughn and DJ Kool kept the energy high and the crowd on their feet all afternoon and into the evening, which concluded with a brilliant firework display.

Swipe through below for some of the moments we captured and highlights from the event. Big love to everyone who came out and a huge thank you to Mayor Bowser, the performers and organizers. Until next year, D.C.