ShareThisHouse Resolution 194 was passed this evening by a voice vote of the U.S. House of Representatives. With its passage the House formally apologizes to black Americans for the wrongs suffered by their ancestors under the government-sanctioned institutions of slavery and Jim Crow
From the bill:
Resolved, That the House of Representatives–
(1) acknowledges the fundamental injustice, cruelty, brutality, and inhumanity of slavery and Jim Crow;
(2) apologizes to African-Americans on behalf of the people of the United States, for the wrongs committed against them and their ancestors who suffered under slavery and Jim Crow; and
(3) expresses its commitment to rectify the lingering consequences of the misdeeds committed against African-Americans under slavery and Jim Crow and to stop the occurrence of human rights violations in the future.
“Today represents a milestone in our nation’s efforts to remedy the ills of our past,” said Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, D-Mich., chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus.
From the website of Rep. Steve Cohen, sponsor of H. Res. 194.
Thomas Norman DeWolf. Author of the book "Inheriting the Trade" (published by Beacon Press, January 2008). Born in California. High-tailed it to Oregon in the early 70's for college. Happily married for more than 20 years. Father of four. Grandfather of four.
June 15th, 2009 at 11:50 am
[...] Senator McCain offered his strong support for such an apology as well. The House passed a similar resolution last July, but my understanding of a concurrent resolution (thanks, James!) is that this bill will [...]
June 25th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
[...] and Jim Crow he blames it all on the South. Here’s what he said to Rep. Cohen (who sponsored H.Res. 194, the House apology bill that passed in July 2008): Why should the whole country apologize for what [...]