Representative Adriano Espaillat Recognizes 400th Anniversary of the First Recorded Forced Arrival of Enslaved African People

Statement

Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) released the following statement in recognition of the 400th anniversary of the first recorded forced arrival of enslaved African people to America.

"Today, I am proud to stand with my Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and House Democratic colleagues at the United States Capitol to recognize the first arrival of enslaved African Americans to this nation, reflect on the suffering of slavery and honor the lives lost over the course of one of the darkest periods in American history," said Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13).

"The Transatlantic Slave Trade was the largest coerced migration of human beings in the history of the world. An estimated 10 million to 12 million enslaved Africans were transported across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas between the 16th to the 19th centuries. We can never forget the price that has been paid throughout history and must continue our efforts to recognize the many contributions African Americans continue to make to society.

"Today and every day, I remain committed to ensuring all Americans are treated fairly and equitably under the law and have an opportunity to achieve the American dream."

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