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African-American History Memorial Unveiled on Texas Capitol Grounds

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.

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.

A counter-protest was also present. Around 75 people showed up for the "Smash Fascism" protest just as the dedication ceremony was finishing.

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The new African-American Memorial Monument on the south lawn of the Texas Capitol.
Gabriel Cristóver Pérez, KUT /
The new African-American Memorial Monument on the south lawn of the Texas Capitol.

The new African-American Memorial Monument on the south lawn of the Texas Capitol.
Kate McGee/KUT /
The new African-American Memorial Monument on the south lawn of the Texas Capitol.

The new African-American Memorial Monument on the south lawn of the Texas Capitol.
Gabriel Cristóver Pérez, KUT /
The new African-American Memorial Monument on the south lawn of the Texas Capitol.

The new African-American Memorial Monument on the south lawn of the Texas Capitol.
Gabriel Cristóver Pérez, KUT /
The new African-American Memorial Monument on the south lawn of the Texas Capitol.

Kate is the education reporter at KUT, covering the Austin Independent School District, public, and higher education in Texas. She got her public radio start at Fordham University's WFUV. Her voice has been heard on the East and West coasts as a reporter and producer for WNYC and KUNR in Reno, Nevada. She has also appeared on NPR's Morning Edition, All Things Considered, The Takeaway and more. In her spare time, Kate enjoys discovering new music, traveling and trying local beers.