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The American government has finally decided to publicly acknowledge that black American slaves were used to build the nation’s capitol. With a vote of 399-1, the House passed a measure to honor the slaves by placing a symbol inside of the Capitol Visiting Center that will pay tribute to the black men and women who sacrificed their minds, bodies and souls for this nation.
America’s government has a horrid history when it comes to slavery. According to the White House Historical Association, 12 American presidents owned slaves, and eight owned slaves during their tenure in the White House. The slaves worked primarily as carpenters and brick masons. For $5 per person, the government rented the slaves from the slave owners who ordered them to work 12-hour days, seven days a week.
Although the government has taken steps to recognize its gaffe, the mental aftermath of slavery has been passed down through generations and it continues to burden a population that may never completely be free.
