Jon L. Christensen: “H.R. 1456 would include approximately 15 acres of adjacent agricultural land to the monument. The bill authorizes the…”

“H.R. 1456 would include approximately 15 acres of adjacent agricultural land to the monument. The bill authorizes the Secretary to acquire the property from willing sellers, using donated or appropriated funds. It is our understanding that while this property has not been available previously, it is currently on the market. Seven of the 15 acres to be added were part of the original plantation on which Booker T. Washington was born, but addition of the entire parcel will protect the area from encroaching commercial development. This boundary adjustment was recommended by the most recent general management plan for the monument. Mr. Speaker, Booker T. Washington is a significant figure in American history. As you have heard, born into slavery in 1856, he went on to found the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama in 1881 and is recognized as the leading African American educator of his time. He has left a legacy that continues to enrich the African American community and this Nation.”