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COMMITTEE REPORT
April 25, 2001
S. 515
Introduced by Senators Jackson, Matthews, Patterson, Anderson, Pinckney, Glover and Ford
S. Printed 4/25/01--S.
Read the first time March 28, 2001.
To whom was referred a Concurrent Resolution (S. 515) to endorse the concept and encourage the creation of a National Black History Museum, etc., respectfully
That they have duly and carefully considered the same and recommend that the same do pass:
DARRELL JACKSON for Committee.
TO ENDORSE THE CONCEPT AND ENCOURAGE THE CREATION OF A NATIONAL BLACK HISTORY MUSEUM IN CHARLESTON FOCUSING ON TELLING THE DISQUIETING BUT INSTRUCTIVE STORY OF THE PASSAGE OF THE AFRICAN PEOPLE INTO AMERICA THROUGH CHARLESTON AND FROM SLAVERY TO FREEDOM.
Whereas, almost half of the total number of African slaves coming to America entered this land at the port of Charleston; and
Whereas, countless descendants of slaves, all across these United States, therefore have both historical and personal connections to Charleston and to South Carolina; and
Whereas, Charleston is described by historian Marvin Dulaney of the College of Charleston as "the place where black history starts"; and
Whereas, this place is the obvious and natural location for a museum dedicated to the truth of their story--the story of human beings and the realities of their slave experience; and
Whereas, the telling of that story and the preservation of that history is and should be disquieting, it is also instructive; and
Whereas, the museum relating that story would serve as a major attraction for visitors, seeking to establish and strengthen their pride through demonstrations of the endurance of and adaptation of slaves to their circumstances; and
Whereas, the museum relating that history would serve as a vital center for visitors seeking to examine and broaden their knowledge of the lives and contributions of slaves to this State and this country. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved that the members of the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring, do hereby endorse the concept and encourage the creation of a National Black History Museum in Charleston focusing on telling the disquieting but instructive story of the passage of the African people into America through Charleston and from slavery to freedom.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to The Honorable Joseph P. Riley, Jr., Mayor of Charleston.
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