Project that chronicles slave history shows we must recognize all US forefathers

Wanda Tucker’s poignant ancestral story involving America’s first slaves and Angola is another compelling reason why there should be centers in every state for the American promise of equal justice under the law. William Tucker, the first named African born here, has every right to be recognized as a forefather.

“Equal justice under law,” the phrase above the entrance to the United States Supreme Court that was approved by its chief justice in 1932, is the essence of the meaning behind cries like “I can’t breathe” and “Hands up, don’t shoot” that have accompanied the Black Lives Matter movement and also captures what’s at the heart of the #MeToo movement.

It may be too late for Tamir Rice, Michael Brown, John Crawford III and countless others, including enormous numbers of women whose treatment in the workplace has been anything but just, to gain equality.

Perhaps the NFL or NBA, since they have the financial resources and plenty of players committed to the cause of justice, can lead our nation by opening a center for equal justice under law in each city with a team.

In the meantime, let us hope that our Constitution and our free press, and therefore justice, prevail.

Lou Horwitz

St. Peters, Mo.

Wanda Tucker is an inspiration. This story brought me to tears. Thank you for lifting up this story and recounting history.

Camille Manning-Broome WANT TO COMMENT? Have Your Say at letters@usatoday.com, @usatodayopinion on Twitter and facbook.com/usatodayopinion. Comments are edited for length and clarity. Content submitted to USA TODAY may appear in print, digital or other forms. For letters, include name, address and phone number. Letters may be mailed to 7950 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, VA, 22108.