With February being Black History Month, it is only fitting that there seems to be a light at the end of the dark tunnel concerning slavery.
According to an article posed on www.msnbc.com, the Virginia House of Delegates unanimously approved a resolution Friday expressing “profound regret” for Virginia’s role in the slave trade, a significant act of contrition by a body that used to start the day with a salute that symbolized the state’s confederate heritage.
The resolution, one of many that are being considered as part of the 400th anniversary celebration of Jamestown, is a huge step for the recognition of slavery.
It is about time that someone acknowledged the effects slavery had on the country. It is stated that in Virginia alone, the average slave owner held at least eight people of African descent, servants that became the backbone of Virginia’s culture.
Some people believe Virginia should not address the slavery situation because, as B. Frank Earnest Sr., commander of the Virginia Chapter of the Sons of the Confederate Veterans said, “It was a national wrong, and it should be addressed nationally. Countries all over the world had a hand in it and sold blacks, so why just Virginia?” But it is great that someone is stepping up.
There was a dispute over the language in the resolution because Virginia did not want the issue of reparations to spark up, but at least a state is publicly stating its involvement in the slave trade and apologizing.
Since Virginia is stepping up, when will other states offer their requests for forgiveness?
Katrelle Simmons for the Editorial Board.