Delaware House votes on slavery apology

Legislators in the First State are one step closer to presenting a formal apology for slavery.

A formal apology on behalf of the state of Delaware for its role in slavery falls under a new resolution passed by the House this week. 

At least eight other states have done so to date, including New Jersey. House Joint Resolution 10 also addresses segregation, according to Representative Stephanie T. Bolden who drafted the bill.

“It’s based on not just slavery but how the aspects of slavery continued throughout the years, we’re talking about the 150 years and how it continued because Delaware was the last state to address the issue,” Bolden said.

Bolden said  the goal is also to create programs to educate and bring different races together just as President Obama shared this week during his last address.

“This is just a step toward healing. With so many things going on with “Black Lives Matter” and Black on Black crime and all these things, I think it brings it back to the history where we were then and where we have come to this point and maybe if you know your history then it won’t be repeated,” Bolden added.

Bolden recalled being rejected to eat with white customers as a high school student and a time when blacks weren’t allowed to purchase homes, own land and much more in Delaware.

The Senate will vote on the resolution next week.  If all goes well, Delaware Gov. Jack Markell will top off the resolution with his signature.