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Remarkable video interviews keep black history alive

The Library of Congress said Tuesday it has acquired a remarkable collection of video interviews that capture the heart of the black experience in America.

Around 2,600 African-Americans took part in the project - some famous, and some who would become famous. Four years before she died, author Maya Angelou was asked what she would want her legacy to be.

"There are those who will say I bring people together, black and white, Asian, Spanish-speaking, Native Americans, gays, straight. It's true because that what I am. I'm all of that," she said.

Angelou was speaking to Julieanna Richardson, founder of the HistoryMakers, a video library of African-American history.

Who is the audience for this project?

"I want the African-American child to understand their roots, but I also want mainstream America to understand the contributions of black people to this country," said Richardson.

Read entire article at CBS News