[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 74 (Monday, May 7, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E968-E969]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 OBSERVING THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ABOLITION OF THE BRITISH SLAVE 
                                 TRADE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 1, 2007

  Mr. CUMMINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in celebration of this 
resolution that commends the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the 
transatlantic slave trade, which marks the beginning of the end of the 
deportation of slavery. This tremendous moment in time carries with it 
historical significance in African American history and culture.
  As many of my colleagues know, many of our ancestors were brought 
here in the grips of iron chains on slave ships. They were subjected to 
tremendous inhumane treatment. Many died and the ones that did survive 
were left to try and survive in a new and unforgiving world. Over the 
course of 4 centuries 11 to 12 million African men, women, and children 
were brought to the United States, the Caribbean, and Latin America 
against their will. The transatlantic slave trade enabled the 
kidnapping, purchase, and commercial export of Africans, mostly from 
West and Central Africa between the 15th and late 19th century.
  Despite this ignoble beginning, the people of Africa created a noble 
culture that encompasses the African spirit of survival through 
adversity. Nevertheless, with all the horrors and inhumanity, the 
transatlantic slave trade was critical to the formation of the new 
world. We can now celebrate the trials, tribulations, accomplishments, 
and contributions of our ancestors. They certainly created and attained 
so much in history.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to share with you the words of Frederick 
Douglass, one of the most famous African American abolitionists, slave, 
editor, orator, author, statesman and reformer. He stated:

       Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and 
     it never will. Find out just what any people will quietly 
     submit to and you have found out the exact measure of 
     injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them, and 
     these will continue till they are resisted with either words 
     or blow, or

[[Page E969]]

     with both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the 
     endurance of those whom they oppress.

  The struggle to end the transatlantic slave trade and slavery was 
achieved by African resistance and economic factors as well as through 
humanitarian campaigns. Africans fought tirelessly to overcome the 
brutal treatment that they endured. The years that our ancestors fought 
for freedom were among the most difficult times that Africans faced.
  It is because of the sacrifices that our ancestors made that African 
Americans are free today, and able to be part of this wonderful body. 
We must not forget what our ancestors have done for us. We must teach 
our children and the generations not yet born of the sacrifices that 
were made in the name of our freedom. We must continue to celebrate the 
anniversaries such as this so our history may never go forgotten.
  The 200th anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave 
trade marks a tremendous accomplishment in African American history. It 
is with great honor that I am able to speak on such a significant part 
of my history.

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