[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 71 (Wednesday, May 2, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E925-E926]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      COMMEMORATING THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ABOLITION OF THE 
                       TRANSATLANTIC SLAVE TRADE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 1, 2007

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I wish to express my full support for 
commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the abolition of the 
Transatlantic Slave Trade as called for by H. Res. 272, which was 
introduced by Representative Barbara Lee.
  The Transatlantic Slave Trade is a very important part of world 
history that should never be forgotten. Millions of men, women, and 
children were forcibly removed from their homeland, packed into ships 
under inhumane conditions, and then after being lucky enough to survive 
the treacherous high seas, sold like

[[Page E926]]

pieces of disposable property to slave owners. Further, to add insult 
to injury, they were treated horribly by their masters throughout their 
lives. For those that survived the voyage, their strength is still 
unbelievable and nothing short of a miracle. For these and other 
reasons, Americans and people all over the world should be reminded of 
their immeasurable suffering and how the abolishment of the 
Transatlantic Slave Trade impacted the end of that atrocity.
  The abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade was a pivotal step to 
the full abolishment of slavery in Great Britain and the United States. 
Since this action was monumental, it needs to be commemorated. A 
commemoration offers an opportunity to educate youth and remind others 
of the importance of ending the Transatlantic Slave Trade. There simply 
is not enough attention given to educating people on the history of 
slavery. Although it represents a dark part of history, it needs to be 
highlighted and explained.
  It has been said and it is true, that America is a melting pot. Since 
our great country is so diverse and will continue to grow, every 
opportunity to commemorate and share history should be seized. I 
encourage my colleagues to support this important resolution.

                          ____________________