Senator Clinton, Congressman Nadler Announce Reintroduction of Legislation to Establish African Burial Ground International Memorial Museum and Educational Center

Washington, DC - Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and Congressman Jerrold Nadler today announced that they have reintroduced legislation in both chambers of Congress to establish the African Burial Ground International Memorial Museum and Educational Center in Lower Manhattan. The proposed site, near City Hall, is located within the African Burial Ground National Historic Landmark, an area in Lower Manhattan that holds the remains of an estimated 20,000 enslaved Africans and early-generation African Americans from the colonial era. This area has also been designated a National Monument and a New York Historic District.

"I am proud that momentum continues to build toward the creation of a memorial museum, but we must act swiftly to establish the Lower Manhattan location and finalize the project," said Senator Clinton. "This museum will allow all Americans and people around the world to better understand the past and honor the tremendous sacrifice and contributions that African Americans made to the great city of New York and the nation."

"We must not forget that the evil of slavery existed right here in New York," said Representative Nadler. "For the African slaves, this was not a land of freedom - it was a place where freedom was stripped from them. I hope that all who visit this monument will learn about the many contributions African Americans made to the city throughout its history."

The African Burial Ground International Museum and Educational Center will preserve the legacy of those buried in Lower Manhattan at the African Burial Ground and all those they represent. The site includes DNA samples from the human remains that will enable researchers to trace the home roots in Africa of those individuals buried there. It has been called one of the most significant archaeological finds in U.S. history. The Museum and Educational Center will be managed by the National Park Service in consultation with African Burial Ground Advisory Council, which will be comprised of representatives of Federal, State and local government and organizations that are committed to the legacy of the African Burial Ground.

Senator Clinton first introduced this legislation during the 109th Congress. Since then, President Bush has declared a parcel of land encompassing the burial site a National Monument. Last month, Senator Clinton joined with Senator Schumer and Representatives Rangel, Nadler and Meeks to send a letter to Mayor Michael Bloomberg urging him to provide a city-owned building to assist with the establishment of this museum.

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