In brief
In a historic first visit to Angola, President Biden took the opportunity to address the painful legacy of slavery that shapes relations between America and the African nation. Speaking at the National Museum of Slavery in Luanda, he underscored the importance of acknowledging this dark chapter, where an estimated number of enslaved Africans were forcibly taken from Angola and sold in America.
During his speech, Biden shared insights about the enduring impact of slavery, referring to it as America’s "original sin" that has long haunted the country. He emphasized the necessity of confronting the unsavory truths of history, contrasting his stance with the contemporary dialogues surrounding education on slavery in the United States. "History can be hidden, it cannot and should not be erased,” he proclaimed, encouraging a holistic engagement with both America’s achievements and its failures. The President further noted that although the U.S. has not yet fulfilled its promise of a truly equitable society, it persists in grappling with its historical injustices. Biden's visit serves as a commitment to fostering a more truthful narrative of shared history as the U.S. looks towards a promising future with Africa.
