Why was the African American Civil War memorial built?

The simplest way to explain "why" is probably to refer to the theme used for the Grand Opening of the associated African American Civil War museum. In July 2011, that museum devoted its opening to the theme of "Racial Reconciliation". Despite the significant impact that the US Civil War had on ridding the nation of slavery and advancing it down the path towards the ideal of the Declaration of Independence that "all men are created equal", the reality is that much prejudice persisted in both the North and the South during the Civil War and has yet to be wholly eliminated. Recognizing the significant contributions of the "colored troops" (as they were then designated) to the resolution of the Civil War is another step towards healing that wound.