Skip to main content

Ahead of D.C. Statehood Vote Next Week, Norton Introduces Resolutions Recognizing D.C. Emancipation Day, Pearl Attempted Slave Escape

April 16, 2021

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today reintroduced her resolutions commemorating Emancipation Day and the attempted slave escape that occurred in D.C. on April 16, 1848, on the ship the Pearl. Emancipation Day, which is today, is an official holiday in D.C. honoring the day in 1862 when President Abraham Lincoln freed the 3,100 slaves in the District, nine months ahead of the Emancipation Proclamation.

"This is an unprecedented Emancipation Day," Norton said, "sadly, because we still must forego our usual celebration due to COVID-19, but, joyfully, because we have enough cosponsors on our D.C. statehood bill to virtually guarantee House passage next week. District residents were the first to be freed from slavery, but we are the last to enjoy full rights and freedoms as American citizens. However, House passage of our D.C. statehood bill will be a big win to offset the setback that kept us from our usual celebration. Today, we commemorate 3,100 slaves who were emancipated, but next week we pass a bill that would free District residents of every race and background from constraints that deny them the freedom and equality enjoyed by other Americans.

"Moreover, I see it as no accident that the single largest known attempted slave escape in American history, the Pearl Escape, occurred in the District. The courage of the slaves, men and women determined to be free, must remind us of the spirit D.C. residents have always had in the fight for statehood. Remembering the story of the Pearl inspires us to achieve the freedom that only statehood can give."