[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 104 (Monday, July 13, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1737]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  PROVIDING FOR DESIGN OF SLAVE LABOR MARKER IN CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER

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                               speech of

                             HON. PHIL HARE

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 7, 2009

  Mr. HARE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 
135. I commend my colleague from Georgia, Representative John Lewis, 
for introducing this important legislation that acknowledges the role 
slave labor had in the construction of the U.S. Capitol building.
  Over four hundred enslaved African Americans performed the 
backbreaking work of quarrying the stone which now comprises many of 
the floors, walls, and columns of the U.S. Capitol. They were 
carpenters, masons, painters, and roofers--all skilled workers who 
built this important symbol of American democracy, while at the same 
time were denied their freedom by the evil grasp of slavery.
  Mr. Lewis' resolution calls for a marker in the Capitol Visitor 
Center's Emancipation Hall dedicated to the enslaved African-Americans 
who helped build the Capitol. This marker would serve as a humble token 
of appreciation and teach visitors about this vital part of the 
Capitol's history.
  The American people deserve a government that is honest about its 
past. It is only by recognizing the past, in all its complexities, that 
we can fully appreciate what we now have in the present, and build a 
better future. Slavery in no shape or form shall be acceptable in the 
eyes of the United States, which is why we must always give thanks and 
appreciation to the hundreds of enslaved workers who contributed to the 
making of this building. Though they themselves were denied personal 
freedom, they courageously constructed a testament to freedom that has 
represented this great nation for over 200 years. It is time for their 
efforts to be brought forward from the shadows of history.
  I strongly urge all my colleagues to vote for H. Con. Res. 135, and 
would again like to thank my friend John Lewis for introducing this 
important legislation.

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