Congress Considers Establishing Original Slavery Remembrance Day
Washington D.C. – A new resolution has been introduced in the House of Representatives that aims to officially designate August 16th as Original Slavery Remembrance Day. H.J. Res. 113 (IH), as it is currently known, was published by govinfo.gov on August 16, 2025, marking a significant step in a national conversation about acknowledging and commemorating a pivotal moment in American history.
The proposed resolution seeks to honor the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in British North America in 1619. This event, which took place in Point Comfort, Virginia, is widely recognized as the beginning of chattel slavery in what would become the United States. By establishing a designated day of remembrance, the resolution intends to provide a national platform for reflection, education, and a deeper understanding of the enduring legacy of slavery.
The timing of the resolution’s publication, August 16th, aligns with the historical significance of the arrival of these first enslaved individuals. The initiative aims to foster a national dialogue that confronts the realities of slavery, its profound impact on individuals, families, and communities, and its lasting consequences on American society.
The introduction of H.J. Res. 113 signifies a growing effort to ensure that the history of slavery is not only remembered but also understood in its full complexity. It is anticipated that the resolution will prompt discussions in Congress about the importance of historical accuracy, truth-telling, and the ongoing work of racial justice and reconciliation.
Further details on the resolution, including its specific language and any co-sponsors, will become available as it progresses through the legislative process. The establishment of Original Slavery Remembrance Day would represent a meaningful acknowledgement of a critical, albeit painful, chapter in the American story, encouraging a collective commitment to learning from the past and building a more equitable future.
H.J. Res. 113 (IH) – Original Slavery Remembrance Day Resolution
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govinfo.gov Congressional Bills published ‘H.J. Res. 113 (IH) – Original Slavery Remembrance Day Resolution’ at 2025-08-16 06:36. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.