Today is the opening of the 5th Summit on the Americas in Port of Spain Trinidad from April 17 - 19, 2009.  The Country is a buzz to welcome President Obama.  But more importantly, hemispheric cooperation and respect have risen.  I suspect the Summit will restore a unified view of the Americas not just the US and those other countries and islands. The major focus of this Summit will be on human prosperity, energy security, climate change and sustainable development.

The Summit is organized by the Organization of American States.  Thirty-four nations in the western hemisphere will attend.  Trinidad and Tobago has been planing for the arrival of the heads of states, observers, families and visitors for over a year.  Security details, aircraft arrivals and downtown traffic concerns are the talk of the local news.  Even the US State Dept is hosting a digital town hall and hoping for significant online participation.  At the very least, the import and export ratio for change is on the rise.

From DC Office of the Secretary Emancipation Statue - DC

Emancipation Statue in DC

The enslaved people in Washington, DC were freed nine months before President Abraham Lincoln issued his famous Emancipation Proclamation, telegraphing the eventual end of slavery to the rest of the nation.  On April 16 1862, President Lincoln signed the Compensated Emancipation Act, For the release of certain persons held to service or labor in the District of Columbia, making DC residents the “First Freed” by the federal government.

Emancipation Day celebrations were held annually from 1866 (pictured at right) through 1901, and resumed in 2002.  In 2005 Emancipation Day was made an official public holiday in the District of Columbia. Each year, a series of educational and commemorative activities is held during the week prior to the holiday that celebrates the end of slavery in Washington, DC.

Calendar of  Events

April 12, 2009

Concert: Marian Anderson Tribute. Denyce Graves, Sweet Honey in the Rock, the Washington National Opera, and the Chicago Children’s Choir commemorate the 70th anniversary of Marian Anderson’s historic performance on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

April 16 - 18

Conference: Emancipation and Race in the Age of Lincoln. A national conference exploring the domestic and international dimensions of emancipation.  Each day will feature panel discussions and an evening performance.

What a life he lived…We are saddening by the passing of Dr. Franklin.  DBP would not have been as informed, passionate or steadfast in the journey to discuss and learn more about Black History without pioneers such as Dr. Franklin.  Our prayers are with his son, John W. Franklin, and family.

To cleebrate his life,  plan to attend this event

16th Inauguration Tribute to

John Hope Franklin:
Voices and Images of Liberation

Division of Fine Arts Presentations

Keynote Address:
Dr. Lonnie G. Bunch, Director
National Museum of African-American History and Culture

Ira Aldridge Theatre
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

History is fantastic and welcome to the most important part of the timeline.

We hope you like our update web site.  Please browse and come back often for events, news and commentary.

Thanks!