Buildings of national importance, such as the U.S. Capitol, White House, Lincoln Memorial, are explored from entirely new perspectives in Black Men Built the Capitol: Discovering African-American History In and Around Washington, DC. New research by Jesse J. Holland, Supreme Court Writer for the Associated Press, brings this information to light in a powerful retelling of an important part of our nation’s history.
Holland conducted extensive research while writing this history/travel guide. He was a frequent visitor to the Library of Congress and other local archives in search of facts on African American contributions to building the nation’s capital. Did you know that the National Mall was once the site of bustling slave markets? Records show that African American slaves and freedman were a sizable portion of the labor pool that worked on the Capitol building both before and after it was burned down by British troops during the War of 1812.
On Wednesday, January 13 at 7:00 pm at Howard County Central Library, Jesse Holland will amaze us with more facts on the courageous African Americans who contributed to the building of the seat of democracy. He will also discuss nearby sites in Maryland and Virginia. Joining him will be Gayle Hazelwood, Superintendent of National Capital Parks – East, who will explore African American historic attractions such as the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, the Carter G. Woodson Home, and the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Register online, or call 410.313.7860.