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Slave Contributions Building U.S. Capitol Recognized
Published by Pamela Gentry on Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at 11:57 pm.By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Analyst
July 8, 2009 – Visitors to the U.S. Capitol will now learn another important part of history about one of the most recognizable building in the world: slave labor made its construction possible.
Tuesday the House passed a bill directing the Architect of the Capitol to place a marker acknowledging the role slave labor played in building the Capitol. The marker will be placed in Emancipation Hall in the Visitors Center. 
The bill was sponsored by Rep. John Lewis, (D-Ga.) with 25 co-sponsors, [the majority of them African-American] and passed 399 – 1.
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus said, “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.”
The historical significance of slave labor in the construction of the Capitol and The White House has been under discussion for several years. Congress first directed the Architect of Capitol to study the contributions of slaves in December 2004 and requested a report back in 180 days.
Researchers discovered records by the Commissioners responsible for tracking the cost of construction. The records indicated hundreds of local residents, slave owners, were paid fees for the work done by their slaves.
“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,” Lee added.
Now the landmark building built by slaves has 43 African-American members walking its halls.
OK WE GETTING CLOSER!! THANKS FOR THE RECOGNITION!! NOW WHERE IS THE MONEY.. THAT CASH..THE DIGITS..THAT FLOW.. THE CHEESE..THAT CAKE..THE DOUGH..THE DEAD PRESIDENTS.
As a young black male, I’m very grateful to have learned this bit of information… However, the next time I hear a disparaging comment about blacks (or ppl of African descent), I’m going to have a very hard time restraining myself from slapping the offender. I’m kidding, I think….. Either way…cheers to my ancestors who worked hard on this building!!!
As a young black female i would like to say that havin a black president did Michigan good because he is going make thing better .I heard peolpe say things about our president that he is noy doing things quick enogh and i think to my self that is a good and strong man he is here to help and it takes time
I think that our black president should be on the next 3 dollar bill ……. why becouse he is the frist black president
Why is the Congressional Black Caucus dancing aroung the “Reparations” issues? Have some courage, and step out on Faith! Them devils either gonna say yes or no. Why continue to “step-n-fetch” with this. It’s sad that we have a Caucus and still can’t get decent representation! They have time to give Micheal Jackson a plaque for his contributions to individuals who have been raping the planet for centuries!(Big Executives)
If we aren’t Citizens of this country, tell us, stop denying us our due! Reparations Now!!! We already know our achievements, we want our payments!!!
We already know our many achievements here in amerikkka, not we want our over-due payments!
Rosa Parks was not is still not the Mother of the Civil RIghts Movements. The NAACP owes blacks in this country an apology for that Impersonation.
That title belongs to Claudette Causey. Who was dark-complexion, and had
a criminal record {Not acceptable in that organization}. So Ms Smith, take your flag out of that museum, unless you’re into deceiving the black community!
I agree with Red Neck Hunter! SHOW ME THE MONEY, like they did the Indians. Words are not accepted currency! This is nothing less than another slap in the face. All Talk and No Dough!
Long over due but appreciated neverthless. African Americans have contributed significantly to the development of this country with very little recognition and even less respect for our efforts. Our true history will never be told accurately except by us.
Africa ,N orth and West and some east is controlled by Arabs. Form morocco to Egypt and all of the Sahara for thousands of years . And still is. This went on for thousands of years long before the Europeans got in involved in trading with the Arabs! It was not the Europeans who started slavery in Africa , it was the black chiefs and the Arabs, The black chiefs should of not sold thier people out! If slavery was not in existence in Africa there would of not been a ” Atlantic Slave Trade” This is where the whole problem started. Go to wikipedia encyclopedia and study ” Arabic Slave Trade” Also this is still going on in Africa . To find out more go tu the UN web site. And study http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/reparations_for_slavery. Something to study there are neighboroods of black people that live in very poor conditions. This is segregation, and Arabs do not like to talk about this. They are from fromer times when slavery existed in the Middle East.
I agree with seschris…well spoken.
if you want money/cash, get a job. work for it like EVERYONE else has too. How is that Hopey/Change thing working out for you
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