Apologies sought for slavery, Indian treatment
by Tyler Whitley
January 05, 2007

As the state observes the 400th anniversary of Jamestown, the General Assembly will be asked to apologize on behalf of Virginia for the state’s role in slavery.

Advocates of reconciliation also are preparing a resolution expressing contrition for the treatment of American Indians.

Sen. Henry L. Marsh III, D-Richmond, and Del. A. Donald McEachin, D-Henrico, said at a news conference yesterday that they are not seeking reparations for past mistreatment.

They said they thought the observance of the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown in the New World would make an appropriate time for an apology.

The slavery-apology resolution has been introduced. The resolution dealing with American Indians will be introduced after consulting with American Indian leaders in Virginia, McEachin said.

They said they knew of no other state where such resolutions had been adopted.

The slavery resolution calls on the commonwealth to apologize for its role in the enslavement of Africans, the state’s history of racial discrimination and an acknowledgement of the pain it has caused.

“An apology for centuries of brutal dehumanization and injustices cannot erase the past, but confession of the words can speed racial healing and reconciliation, and help African-American and white citizens to confront the ghosts of their collective pasts together,” the resolution states.

While “the whole world’s attention is on Virginia” because of the Jamestown anniversary, Virginia can take a leadership role in promoting racial harmony, Marsh said.

The lawmakers acknowledged that a resolution could not change the past but said it could create an environment to promote racial reconciliation.

While much racial progress has been made, inequities remain, Marsh said. He cited particularly the criminal-justice system.

Added McEachin: “Part of the role of government is creating an environment” for change.

Asked why there should be an apology now when no one living was responsible for slavery, McEachin said the resolution would express the sense of the General Assembly.

The first slaves were brought to Jamestown in 1619.

Ken Woodley, editor of the Farmville Herald, asked U.S. Sen. George Allen last year to lead a congressional effort to apologize for slavery. Allen, who was defeated for re-election, said there did not seem to be much support for a resolution.

Allen was the lead Republican sponsor in 2005 for a Senate apology for its failure to outlaw lynching.

McEachin and Marsh were joined at the news conference by Del. Jennifer L. McClellan, D-Richmond, and state Sen. Mamie Locke, D-Hampton, and by the presidents of the Richmond and Henrico County chapters of the NAACP.

Tyler Whitley is a staff writer at the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

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Reader Comments

The Commonwealth of Virginia needs to APOLPGIZE FOR NOTHING.  Slavery was a way of life during the 18th century, just as was the way in which 18th century men treated the Indians & women during that time in our history. After all, this land was originally owned by the Indians! 

Over time, we as a people have become much more sensitive to many issues - with slavery being one of them.  As times have changed, so have our values of civil rights.  One must acknowledge the past and move on into the future.  The mere fact that we are willing to acknowledge the ending of slavery in the United States with a nationally recognized commemoration day called Juneteenth, is more than enough!

So, what is the Virginia Assembly going to do for the Indian population of Virginia?  After all they too were treated with disrespect.

--
of Marietta, GA
January 23, 2007 - 10:06 AM



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