Peters, Michigan Congressional Democrats Introduce Resolution to Mark 15th Anniversary of Underground Railroad Memorial Monument in Detroit

Washington, D.C. – Members of the Michigan Congressional delegation introduced H.Res. 946, a resolution in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives to commemorate 15 years since the opening of the International Underground Railroad Memorial Monument (IURMM). 

Led in the Senate by Michigan Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow; and the House of Representatives by Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (MI-13), Rep. Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Rep. Sandy Levin (MI-9), and Rep. Dan Kildee (MI-5), the resolution honors Detroit’s role as a crossing point into Canada for those traveling the Underground Railroad.  Comprised of the Gateway to Freedom Monument in Detroit, Michigan, and the Tower of Freedom Monument in Windsor, Ontario, the IURMM opened in October 2001 as a way for the region to honor the sacrifices and the courage of those who fought to secure freedom for themselves, their families, and others.

“The City of Detroit played a critical role in the Underground Railroad, serving as the doorway to freedom for African Americans seeking refuge in Canada,” said Senator Peters. “I’m honored to join my Michigan colleagues to recognize these monuments that stand as a symbol of the people who fought for their own freedom and the freedom of others during a dark chapter in our nation’s history.”

“These two monuments—in Detroit and Windsor—stand as reminders of what we have been through, the obstacles we’ve overcome, and the strength we have to address present injustices,” said Rep. Conyers.  “Americans must never forget the parts of our history that we regret, or the heroic actions of those who fought to change the future. The International Underground Railroad Memorial Monument plays an important part in that, here in Detroit.”

The International Underground Railroad Memorial Monument represents a cross-border partnership that seeks to educate the next generation about our history, and help the current generation remember the sacrifices others have made to provide us the opportunities we need to succeed.