Jesse Jackson on Slavery

Posted by Brian Tubbs Feb 3, 2007

The Commonwealth of Virginia is moving toward a resolution of regret concerning its past role in slavery and segregation. The resolution has been the subject of much debate and revision in the state's General Assembly, and is being considered in the context of Virginia's 400th anniversary of its initial settlement.

Four hundred years ago in 1607, Jamestown became the first permanent English settlement in the New World. It would expand (after some contractions as well) to become the present-day state of Virginia. Given the fact that the first slave ships came to America via Jamestown in 1619, no one can argue Virginia's central role in the ultimate spread of slavery in North America.

"There may be a reluctance to apologize for the heinous crime of slavery, because with apology goes the obligation to repair the damage," says Jesse Jackson.

And he has a point. Virginia lawmakers at first considered a bill which included the word "atonement." That was too close to opening the door to demands for reparations and litigation, so it was struck in favor of "contrition." As for February 2, the Virginia House Rules Committee had further amended the resolution. The current version expands the resolution to cover its treatment of Native Americans as well, but it moves even further from an outright apology. Instead, it has chosen to use the word "regret."

For his part, Jackson says he appreciates what Virginia has done, but indicates it doesn't go far enough to acknowledge the extent of slavery's reach and legacy.

Look for this discussion to continue as the resulolution moves forward in the General Assembly.