--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: What we forget is that African Americans…" description: "\"What we forget is that African Americans made the largest contribution to America, economically, before the Civil War of any sector of society. I read ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1dc/andrew-young-5409_african-american_what-we-forget-is-that-african-americans_2359562.png" --- # What we forget is that African Americans made the largest… ![“What we forget is that African Americans made the largest contribution to America, economically, before the Civil War of any sector of society. I read that the railroads were worth about $2 billion, but slavery was a $3 billion asset.” quote by Andrew Young](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1dc/andrew-young-5409_african-american_what-we-forget-is-that-african-americans_2359562.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1dc/andrew-young-5409_african-american_what-we-forget-is-that-african-americans_2359562.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1dc/andrew-young-5409_african-american_what-we-forget-is-that-african-americans_2359562.png) > “What we forget is that African Americans made the largest contribution to America, economically, before the Civil War of any sector of society. I read that the railroads were worth about $2 billion, but slavery was a $3 billion asset.” [Andrew Young](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-young/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote highlights the massive economic role of African Americans, especially through slavery, before the Civil War, emphasizing often often‑recognized contribution. **In simple terms:** African Americans heavily contributed economically before the Civil War. Key Takeaway Recognize and teach this hidden history. Themes history economics race recognition Mood reflective serious Type historical educational When to use this quote - education curricula - museum exhibits - public policy discussions - media documentaries Key Concepts Slavery economics wealth accumulation systemic undervaluation Questions to Reflect On - How does acknowledging this economic impact change our view of history? - What responsibilities arise from this knowledge? A Different Perspective The focus on monetary value may overlook human suffering and moral costs. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [African american](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/african-american/) [African americans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/african-americans/) [America](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/america/) [America Economically](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/america-economically-5772562/) [Assets](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/assets/) [Billions](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/billions/) [Civil war](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/civil-war/) [Contribution](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/contribution/) [Contribution America](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/contribution-america-5772561/) [Forget](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/forget/) [Largest Contribution](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/largest-contribution-5772563/) [Made](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/made/) [Railroads](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/railroads/) [Railroads Worth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/railroads-worth-5772564/) [Slavery](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/slavery/) [Slavery Billion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/slavery-billion-5772560/) [Society](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/society/) [War](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/war/) ## Related quotes > [a TEN-YEAR-OLD lad in Indianapolis who was arrested for picking up coal along the side of railroad tracks is now in jail. 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