Gov. Greg Abbott and members of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus dedicated a monument at the Capitol Saturday morning honoring the contributions of African-Americans.
The monument on the Capitol's south lawn highlights the African-American experience in Texas from the 1500s to slavery and emancipation to more modern achievements in the arts and sciences.
KUT's Kate McGee was there to watch the unveiling.
Crowds gather at the unveiling of the African American statue at the Texas capital. Ceremony starts at 10 #txlege pic.twitter.com/D1Bl6V43LP— Kate McGee (@KUTMcGee) November 19, 2016
The statue struggled for years to get funding. Last yr the lege put $1.5 million toward statue to complete construction. #txlege— Kate McGee (@KUTMcGee) November 19, 2016
Rep. Helen Giddings introduced special guests, including members of black caucus, gov. Abbott, Houston mayor Sylvester turner #txlege— Kate McGee (@KUTMcGee) November 19, 2016
It's windy this morning and when the tarp cover over the statue blows in the wind, it sounds like thunder.— Kate McGee (@KUTMcGee) November 19, 2016
Rep Giddings reading letter from president GW bush. When governor, pushed resolution for Juneteenth statue #txlege— Kate McGee (@KUTMcGee) November 19, 2016
letter from president GWB: "this monument reflects our ability to change." "Even today the journey toward justice is not complete" #txlege— Kate McGee (@KUTMcGee) November 19, 2016
Proud to be part of history with @SylvesterTurner, @GregAbbott_TX, @RodneyEllis & many great leaders & community members at historic event. pic.twitter.com/Wwc4EPZvyN— Chief Art Acevedo (@ArtAcevedo) November 19, 2016
Governor Abbott speaks to crowd at African American statue unveiling at capital #txlege pic.twitter.com/TrTPDps8ix— Kate McGee (@KUTMcGee) November 19, 2016
Today we unveiled the African American Memorial Monument on the Texas Capitol grounds. #txlege pic.twitter.com/0o1pPLbo3l— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) November 19, 2016
Houston mayor Sylvester Turner: this journey has not been easy, referring to struggle of African Americans throughout history #txlege— Kate McGee (@KUTMcGee) November 19, 2016
Turner tells story of cutting himself yesterday. Says That pain cannot compare to struggle of African Americans. #txlege— Kate McGee (@KUTMcGee) November 19, 2016
Turner: This monument stands as a marker...that we are standing in shoulders of those who got us where we are today #txlege— Kate McGee (@KUTMcGee) November 19, 2016
Mayor Turner gets cheers, standing ovation for remarks at African American statue unveiling. #txlege pic.twitter.com/YFQGkQz5Bl— Kate McGee (@KUTMcGee) November 19, 2016
Halfway unveiled#txlege pic.twitter.com/WOgH77BrSn— Kate McGee (@KUTMcGee) November 19, 2016
Frank had to climb the statue to unveil it #txlege pic.twitter.com/aEVovXJCnH— Kate McGee (@KUTMcGee) November 19, 2016
Meantime, a pair of protests were planned on the Capitol grounds. Organizers of a "White Lives Matter" protest reportedly said the timing of their event was coincidental. There were only about a dozen people present, but the chants began before the African-American memorial had even been unveiled.
As we wait to unveil shouts of white lives matter in background pic.twitter.com/8lzpJZsDUP— Kate McGee (@KUTMcGee) November 19, 2016
A counter-protest was also present. Around 75 people showed up for the "Smash Fascism" protest just as the dedication ceremony was finishing.
A small anti fascism protest makes its way down congress and gathers at edge of capital grounds during ceremony #txlege pic.twitter.com/qzEqWH5KyD— Kate McGee (@KUTMcGee) November 19, 2016
Anti fascism crowd drowning out white lives matter rally pic.twitter.com/cUTNvP9OhF— Kate McGee (@KUTMcGee) November 19, 2016
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