[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 146 (Thursday, September 12, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING ``FOOTSTEPS TO YOU: CHATTEL SLAVERY'' EXHIBIT

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                          HON. NORMA J. TORRES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 12, 2019

  Mrs. TORRES of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
Footsteps to You: Chattel Slavery exhibit. This exhibit opened in San 
Bernardino in 2018 and featured original artifacts and documents from 
the 19th century to showcase how the institution of slavery has shaped 
the United States.
  Originally from historian Jerry Gore's estate, the collection gives 
visitors greater insight into the daily abuses inflicted on the 
millions enslaved in America, and the courage that African women, men, 
and children demonstrated while fighting for their freedom. Guests can 
immerse themselves in newspapers, first-person accounts, and objects of 
the slave trade. I had the chance to examine up close some of these 
documents and was reminded that slavery was not just an unspoken evil, 
but one out in the open, written, and debated in our country. These 
slave narratives help spark questions about how visitors themselves 
would have participated in slavery during this time in history.
  The exhibit was one of the San Bernardino County programs named as 
part of the 2019 Achievement Awards from the National Association of 
Counties.
  It is my honor to recognize the Footsteps to You: Chattel Slavery 
exhibit on the House floor today. This exhibit provides necessary 
insights and education into the experience of a slave in America and 
has made important contributions to the 35th District that are worthy 
of admiration.

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