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Celebrations and Freedom of Speech
When Congress passed the Compensated Emancipation Act in 1862, freeing over 3,000 enslaved people in the city, the first celebration of DC Emancipation Day took place at Franklin Park. The park remains an important site for civil rights demonstrations.
Franklin Park also filled to capacity in 1914, as the Irish-American community dedicated the statue of John Barry, considered the father of the US Navy. Other peaceful gatherings include religious meetings dating back to World War I. |