[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 48 (Thursday, March 19, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E727]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO AFRICAN PASSAGES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 19, 2009

  Mr. CLYBURN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the National 
Park Service on the dedication of its newly installed museum exhibit 
African Passages, which will be housed at the Fort Moultrie Visitors' 
Center in Sullivan, South Carolina. It gives me great pleasure to 
acknowledge this scholarly contribution to our historical memory.
  Historians estimate that slave ships brought 200,000 to 360,000 men, 
women, and children into Charleston's harbor. Between 1707 and 1799--
when arriving ships carried infectious diseases--their free or enslaved 
passengers were quarantined either aboard ship or in island ``pest 
houses.'' This painful history makes Sullivan's Island a gateway 
through which many African Americans can trace their entry into 
America. This exhibit thoughtfully examines the role of Sullivan's 
Island as a quarantine station during the international slave trade 
when Charleston was the main port of entry for captive Africans in 
North America.
  The exhibit includes the haunting Middle Passage charcoals of Thomas 
Feelings and the exuberant Gullah art of Jonathan Green. West African 
objects, leg shackles and an 1803 slave identification badge are among 
the artifacts on display, which are on loan from the collection of the 
Avery Research Center for African American Culture at the College of 
Charleston.
  The historical display also includes the story of Priscilla and her 
7th generation granddaughter's return to Sierra Leone, which spans 
three centuries and provides a modern day link from Charleston across 
the Atlantic. The narrative of Priscilla places a stronger human 
element on the hundreds of thousands of persons oppressed by slavery. 
We owe a great debt to historians Edward Ball and Joseph Opala whose 
scholarship uncovered this timeless tale.
  I would also like to acknowledge journalist Herb Frazier, who wrote 
the text; Studio Displays of Charlotte, NC, who created and installed 
the exhibit; and the Committee of Descendants, which provided an early 
investment for the project in 2004. In addition, I would like to thank 
Michael Allen of the National Park Service. The Remembrance Committee 
of Charleston has also been instrumental with the completion of the 
project. Their contributions and service to this initiative are greatly 
appreciated.
  Legendary conductor of the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman said, 
``Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have 
within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the 
stars to change the world.'' The election of President Barack Obama has 
brought long due historic change to our country. It is important, 
however, to also pay homage to the singular events that defined a 
country and its people. This exhibit seeks to engage not only the 
Charleston community, but also the American community about its painful 
past, which I believe is a prelude for a brighter future for our 
country.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in celebrating the dedication of 
African Passages in Sullivan, South Carolina. I commend the community 
and all the stakeholders for their hard work and vision to bring this 
exhibit to fruition.

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