(Photo: Barbara L. Salisbury/The Washington Times/Landov)

Monday marks the 150th anniversary of the passage of D.C. Emancipation Act, which set free more than 2,900 enslaved persons. It was the law that eventually led to the passage of the Emancipation Proclamation. In honor of the historic date, Centric will co-host a “great debate” on issues the Black community faces.

On April 14 at 6P/5C, Centrictv.com will live stream the event, entitled “DC Emancipation Day 150th Anniversary Great Debate.” The debate, featuring civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton, author and professor Michael Eric Dyson, president of Bennett College and economist Dr. Julianne Malveaux, minister and political analyst Joe Watkins and BET television personality T.J. Holmes, will address key matters affecting the African-American community including education, health care, unemployment, gentrification, 2012 elections, voting, the Trayvon Martin case and the future of Black America.

Each panelist will have 10 minutes to state their position on a topic and will be given five minutes to offer a rebuttal.

The 90-minute debate will be held at the Lincoln Theatre in Washington, D.C. and is also hosted by the Office of Cable Television, which regulates the District’s cable television providers. The debate mirrors a seven-debate series in 1858 where Republican Senate nominee Abraham Lincoln and Democratic Senate nominee Stephen Douglas argued issues affecting America, including slavery.

For more information, and to view the stream, visit Centrictv.com, which is owned by BET Networks, which is also the parent company of BET.com.

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