11th Street Bridge: Anacostia & Slavery History
Celebrate Juneteenth in Anacostia with a new Freedom and Unity Walk, a powerful tribute too the neighborhoodS rich history. Discover how residents are using the 11th Street Bridge to symbolize unity and remember the enslaved individuals who sought freedom across the river.Learn about the plaque commemorating those who walked to freedom in D.C. in 1862, predating emancipation elsewhere. Join ronald Moten and Linda Greene from the Anacostia Renaissance Collective in exploring the area’s meaning, including its connection to Frederick Douglass. this year, Anacostia residents unite to honor their ancestors. News Directory 3 offers a deeper dive into this inspiring community initiative. Discover what’s next for Juneteenth celebrations throughout the District and Anacostia.
Anacostia Celebrates Juneteenth with Freedom and Unity Walk
Updated June 17, 2025
Residents and business owners in Anacostia, a historic neighborhood in Washington, D.C., are establishing a new tradition this Juneteenth: a Freedom and Unity Walk. The walk, scheduled for Thursday, aims to celebrate the significance of Juneteenth and the unique history of Anacostia.
The focal point of the event is the 11th Street Bridge, which has connected Anacostia to downtown D.C. since 1965. Before its construction, the Eastern Branch Navy Yard Bridge stood in its place. A plaque commemorates the enslaved individuals who crossed that earlier bridge to find freedom in D.C.in 1862, before the rest of the country.
Ronald moten,with the Anacostia Renaissance Collective,emphasized the past importance of the area. “I remember years ago seeing this plaque…and I didn’t know the story that the slaves, our ancestors, were freed walking across this bridge from Maryland in 1862,” Moten said. He added that the walk aims to ”unite our businesses around this historic corridor and our community and make it a space for people to come and enjoy themselves.”
The Freedom and Unity Walk seeks to use the bridge as a symbol of coming together. “normally, bridges destroy communities when they’re built, or they divide communities,” Moten said. “We want to use this bridge to bring both sides of the river together and celebrate a historic community.”
Linda Greene,a longtime Ward 8 resident and business owner,expressed her enthusiasm for highlighting Anacostia’s rich history. Greene said the event will “highlight the importance of Juneteenth, the importance of the freedom from slavery, and let people know that we actually were freed of slavery in D.C. before the rest of the country.” She also noted the area’s historical significance, citing Frederick Douglass and Marion Barry as prominent figures who resided there.
What’s next
Beyond the Freedom and Unity Walk, other Juneteenth events are planned throughout the District, including activities hosted by DC Parks and Recreation at Yards Park and Franklin Park. Performances by the Junk Yard Band and Sirius and Company are also scheduled, though some events may require an admission fee.