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Gov. Markell apologizes for slavery

James Dawson/Delaware Public Media

Delaware became the ninth state in the country to officially apologize for slavery Wednesday.

 

Gov. Jack Markell (D) signed the apology resolution at the Delaware Public Archives, coinciding with the unveiling of its Black History Month exhibit.

 

Markell says it’s not enough to know that slavery simply existed, but that there needs to be positive action moving forward.

 

“A candid acknowledgement and acceptance of our past is the only way to understand our present and take full responsibility for our future," he said.

Rep. Stephanie Bolden (D-Wilmington East) says the apology is a reminder for a younger generation that didn’t have to live through segregation that they’re not that far removed from overt discrimination.

“Today’s generation doesn’t get to see or hear that," said Bolden. "There are no programs taught in high school. We’re not in the history books except for a small portion so it’s very important that parents and [young people] know the history from which we came.”

 
She and others say it’s also a step in moving forward to help highlight current disparities among minorities relating to economic and criminal justice issues.
 
 
The state Human Relations Commission began urging the state to apologize for its role in slavery in 2010, with municipalities, like Dover City Council passing similar measures.
 

The resolution sailed through the General Assembly last month, with four Republicans voting against it and another choosing not to cast any vote.

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