Charleston, S.C., has formally denounced slavery and apologized for the port city’s role in that evil institution. The City Council voted 7-5 to condemn the industry that had long thrived in Charleston — the entry point for nearly half the slaves who were brought from Africa to the U.S.
A capacity crowd gathered to comment and to witness the council’s vote Tuesday, which followed a number of speeches on slavery and its role in building Charleston and adding to American prosperity.
If anyone at the council meeting wanted to see a sign of that legacy, they didn’t have to look far: Charleston’s City Hall was built by slaves.
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