WHAT/WHO: Mayor Vincent C. Gray and At-Large Councilmember Vincent Orange will announce events and activities, as well as introduce partnerships and unveil a website to kick off the 2012 District of Columbia Emancipation Day and 150th Commemorative Anniversary of the Emancipation Act in the District of Columbia. Mayor Gray also will present a proclamation in recognition of this special occasion.

WHEN: Wednesday, March 28
1:00 pm

WHERE: African American Civil War Museum
1925 Vermont Avenue NW

BACKGROUND: The year 2012 marks the 150th Commemorative Anniversary of the Emancipation Act in the District of Columbia and includes a year-long celebration of educational and cultural events and activities throughout the city. April 16, 2012 is DC Emancipation Day in the District and is an official city government holiday.

The DC Compensated Emancipation Act of 1862 ended slavery in Washington, DC, freed 3,100 individuals, reimbursed those who had legally owned them and offered the newly freed women and men money to move on to a better life. District residents commemorate the Act, and the courage and struggles of those who fought to make it a reality, on DC Emancipation Day each year.