Washington D.C. has a rich history when it comes to African Americans and their contributions to the city and the nation. Here are some key points about Black history in Washington D.C.:

1. **Emancipation in D.C.**: On April 16, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Compensated Emancipation Act, which abolished slavery in the District of Columbia. This made D.C. one of the first places in the United States to legally abolish slavery.

2. **Historic Black Neighborhoods**: Over the years, several neighborhoods in D.C. became vibrant centers of African American culture and community, including Shaw, U Street, and Anacostia. These neighborhoods were home to famous Black-owned businesses, theaters, churches, and social institutions.

3. **The March on Washington**: One of the most famous events in D.C.'s Black history is the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, which took place on August 28, 1963. It was at this event that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech at the Lincoln Memorial.

4. **Black Political Leadership**: Washington D.C. has a long history of Black political leadership. Marion Barry, for example, served as the city's mayor for multiple terms, becoming a prominent figure in national politics.

5. **Cultural Institutions**: D.C. is also home to several important cultural institutions focused on African American history and culture, such as the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Howard University Gallery of Art.

Overall, Washington D.C. has played a significant role in the history and progress of African Americans in the United States, serving as a hub for activism, cultural expression, and political leadership.