Letter

August 2001

Dear Supporters,

In 1996, the United States Slavery Museum Project was created with a single mission in mind: to recognize the sacrifice of African-American slaves who helped to build the United States from the ground up despite their inevitable and irrevocable place in American society. Though they would never be included in the U.S. Constitutions "…blessings of liberty…" many of them still fought and died for the U.S.'s principled mission of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

One hundred and thirty six years after the African American's emancipation, the United States still wrestles with the vestiges of slavery and with the legacy of racism, segregation and discrimination. The peculiar institution of slavery has left not only wounds unhealed but also victims on all sides unrecognized.

Now is the time for all citizens to finally do what should have been done one hundred thirty six years before. We must band together and create a suitable memorial, which not only recognizes the plight of the African American but also celebrates their accomplishments and survival. In doing so, we can begin to heal the still present rift throughout our great land with the hope that recognizing and learning from the past will help us now and in the future to never repeat it.

"The peculiar institution of slavery has left not only wounds unhealed but also victims on all sides unrecognized."

Though founded in part on the commerce of slavery, the United States has still always recognized and appreciated the sacrifice of individuals and groups of people who came here and through hard work and effort made something of their lives. There can be no greater example of this than the African American slave. Despite their condition and against all odds, the African American slave still contributed, fought and died for the betterment of American society, and helped create a recognizable, unique American culture as much as any immigrant-American could hope to do.

The story of the African American slave is too great to be ignored. Their story is the story of all American citizens, for not one life in the United States has been left untouched by slavery, segregation and discrimination. It is now time for us to work to build a fitting national memorial dedicated to these ancestors whose honor is long overdue. If our nation can recognize the atrocities of other cultures in faraway lands, surely we have the room in our national hearts to recognize our own. We must allow ourselves to learn from our past so that in the future, that past will never be repeated.

The mission is great. The sacrifice required is even greater. We need your help and we need your support. From donations of equipment to donations of time by volunteers, all of it is welcome and necessary to continue this monumental mission. And of course, we need your financial support. Whatever and however you are able to give will help in our continual effort to make this mission a reality.

Sincerely,

Richard E. Smith II

Director