David joined other elected officials and dignitaries, community members, and living decedents of the slaves of President George Washington to pay tribute Saturday to African American’s who have served in the U.S. military as part of the 25th Anniversary Slave Memorial Commemoration at Mount Vernon. Organized by Black Women United for Action and the Mount Vernon Ladies Association, the ceremonies included musical performances by the Virginia State University choir, the unveiling of a an art piece by Jorge Burtin commissioned for the occasion, and a wreath laying ceremony at the site of the Mount Vernon Slave Burial Site and Slave Memorial.
“What a moving tribute to the enslaved men and women who helped build America in the early years of our country, and to their brave decedents who fought for freedom they themselves did not have,” said David. “It reminds us not only how far we have come, but how much farther we have to go.”
