On April 19, 1866, the African American citizens

of Washington D.C. celebrated the abolition of

slavery. 4,000 to 5,000 people assembled to the

White House addressed by Andrew Johnson. Led by two

black regiments the spectators, and the procession

proceeded up the Pennsylvania Avenue to Franklin

Square for religious services and speeched by

prominiet politicians. The sign on top of

the platform read: "We have recieved our civil rights.

Give us the right of suffrage and the work is done."