Honoring the Forgotten Builders of the U.S. Capitol 🏛️

 

When we talk about the foundations of America, we can’t ignore the hands that built them. The U.S. Capitol, one of the most iconic symbols of democracy, was constructed in part by enslaved people—men and women whose labor shaped the very heart of the nation but whose contributions were erased from history for far too long.

🛠️ The Hidden History

Enslaved workers played a critical role in building the Capitol, the White House, and other landmarks in Washington, D.C. They quarried stone, sawed timber, made bricks, and provided the backbreaking labor necessary to bring these grand structures to life. Paid nothing for their work, they toiled under harsh conditions, their names lost to time while others took credit for what they built.

📜 Acknowledging the Truth

For centuries, this reality was brushed aside. The grandeur of the Capitol was celebrated, but the people who built it were forgotten. It wasn’t until recent years that their contributions were formally recognized. In 2012, a plaque was placed in the Capitol Visitor Center to honor the enslaved laborers who made its construction possible. Still, their story remains an often-overlooked chapter in America’s history.

⚖️ A Legacy of Strength and Resilience

Their work was more than just brick and mortar—it was a testament to resilience in the face of oppression. The same building that once stood as a monument to a nation that denied them freedom has now become a place where history is being rewritten to acknowledge their sacrifices.

💡 Never Forget

The story of the enslaved builders of the U.S. Capitol is not just history—it’s a reminder. A reminder that progress is built on truth. A reminder that America’s foundations were laid by those who were never meant to share in its promises. And a reminder that honoring their legacy means continuing the fight for justice and equality today.

Let’s not just remember them—let’s make sure their names are never forgotten. ✊🏾