Recognizing Slave Laborers in the Construction of the United States Capitol
WashingtonD.C. – Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, released the following statement today after the House of Representatives passed a resolution recognizing slave laborers in the construction of the United States Capitol:
“The Capitol is the embodiment of our democracy, from which the ideals of freedom and liberty are projected. But the history of the magnificent building is largely unknown to those who work and visit here everyday.
“It is fitting that the history of the Capitol’s construction be accurately told to include recognition of the African-American slaves who struggled to erect this massive building brick by brick, stone by stone.
“By properly recognizing the contributions of those slaves who built the Capitol, we bring all Americans closer to an understanding of the continuing evolution of our democracy.”
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