SYMHM: Happy Emancipation Day
There is a wreath-laying ceremony at 10 am Saturday at the African American Civil War Memorial, 10th and U Streets NW. The statue honors African Americans who fought in the Civil War. (Luis Gomez Photos)
I’m going to miss a lot as I traipse around Italy, but I’ll miss you the very most of all. Tell me about it @MichLancaster.
Happy Emancipation Day, D.C.!
I love that most DC workers have today off for D.C. Emancipation Day (officially the day is tomorrow), yet we are still filing our taxes without representation today. Alert Alanis Morissette, we have actual irony for your comeback song, Irony (I mean it this time). Oh well, at least your taxes aren’t due until April 18!
Why do we celebrate April 16 in D.C.? In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln freed about 3,100 slaves in the District. Lincoln’s more famous Emancipation Proclamation — which freed slaves in the Confederate States — was signed January 1, 1863.
Emancipation Day Ceremonies on U Street
Each year there are Emancipation Day ceremonies at the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum at 10th and U Streets NW. The museum just moved to 1925 Vermont Avenue NW, directly across from the memorial (the grand opening of the new location is Monday). Celebrations begin today at the museum at noon and then move to the memorial. There is a wreath-laying ceremony on Saturday at 10 am at the memorial. Museum hours are Monday through Friday 10 am to 5 pm and Saturday 10 am to 2 pm.
Tina Fey In D.C.!
Hopefully, you were one of the lucky ones that got tickets to see her last night at the Historic Synagogue. If not, read this book review and teaser by the The Washington Post. Don’t feel too bad, the tickets went faster than roof deck space on a sunny Friday in April. What did you think and did anyone run into her wandering around D.C.?
Interesting Look at Voting Methods in At-Large Council Race
Greater Greater Washington always does cool stuff for local issues, but their coverage of the at-large race has been even cooler than usual. David Alpert takes a look at how a different type of voting could mean a different outcome for the race that better reflects the views of local voters. Note: this in no way takes the place of voting in the election April 26, nor should it guide you away from ‘your’ candidate due to lack of abundance of votes.
Coming Soon to Your Happy Hour: Children and Fake Booze?
Just read the piece in the DCist, will you? I appreciate the eating well and community aspect of children’s happy hour, but after that Applebee’s margarita in sippy cup incident, it just seems… off. Then again, most of us turn into children after a few and may want our face painted. What say you, D.C. boozers?
