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Washington, DC – The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill introduced by Congressman Donald M. Payne from NJ that would create a federal commission to coordinate activities for the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade Act.
“January 1, 2008 will mark the 200th anniversary of the “Act to Prohibit the Importation of Slaves,” which effectively ended the legal transatlantic slave trade. On March 3, 1807, President Thomas Jefferson signed into law the Transatlantic Slave Trade Act, which prohibited the importation of slaves into any port or place within the jurisdiction of the United States. However, Article 1, Section 9 of the U.S. Constitution clearly spelled out that the international slave trade could not be banned before 1808, and it was only on January 1, 1808 that the Act to Prohibit the Importation of Slaves went into effect. The bill was nothing short of revolutionary. It single-handedly outlawed the long-standing and brutal trade of transporting Africans to the United States. This timely legislation will embrace American’s history by honoring its past,” expressed Congressman Payne this afternoon on the House floor.
The commission established by this bill will plan, develop, and execute programs and activities appropriate to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
“The mission of this commission is timely, and the subject is critical. The United States is a primary voice on trafficking issues; we are also the principal advocate for human rights and freedom around the world. Our nation’s willingness to confront its past and assess the impact of slavery on the United States strengthens our ability to serve as an advocate on the international stage,” said Congressman Payne.
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