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I think it’s best to inform District residents that it was through the Herculean achievement of Loretta Carter Hanes and her son Peter that April 16 is a day worthy of commemoration. It was through Ms. Hanes’ extensive research that it was rediscovered that President Lincoln emancipated District slaves in 1862, nine months before the Emancipation Proclamation. And it was through their tireless efforts of annually celebrating April 16 since 1991 that the District government is finally considering making it a citywide holiday.
I tire of reading only D.C. Councilmember Vincent Orange’s name attached to District Emancipation Day. It would serve him well if he is considering a bid for mayor (Loose Lips, 11/19) that he correct this oversight and be more generous in acknowledging those truly responsible for enlightening District residents of a day we all should be duty-bound to celebrate.
Mount Pleasant