U.S. House apologizes for slavery
Posted July 30th, 2008 by James DeWolf PerryLate yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives formally apologized for slavery and the era of Jim Crow discrimination against African Americans.
The House passed H.Res. 194, a resolution sponsored by Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), by voice vote after the measure attracted 120 co-sponsors. The resolution follows a similar measure by the Senate in February, apologizing for U.S. actions against Native Americans, and a congressional apology and reparations twenty years ago to Japanese Americans and their descendants for the use of concentration camps by the U.S. in World War II.
October 4th, 2008 at 9:11 am
It has made my family very happy to read the apology. For us that means that our quest for civil rights in the United States now has the legal backing and support of the constitution of the United States.
Thank YOU.
October 8th, 2008 at 9:28 am
…perhaps it’s best to leave it in the past as yet another terrible period in history.
This film has me rethinking my position. I was very surprised to witness true pain coming from the ancestors of the De Wolf’s. Pain of guilt and responsibility. By going on this journey, they were made to come face to face with knowing that their current wealth, affluence and Ivy League educations would not have been possible without the back breaking, degrading work of many, many, black slaves. Which allowed me to truly realize no healing has ever taken place with regard to slavery. The spirits of African American ancestors, after so much bloodshed and humiliation, continues to haunt this country….
To read the full movie review, please visit my blog http://www.suckmyprettytoes.blogspot.com
November 13th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
too little, too late. the de wolfs and others can so easily talk about the pain of the de wolf family. too bad those slaves weren’t still alive to tell of the tortures that was done to them. the dewolfs got off easy and prospered as a result of it. the african american people, as a result,are still feeling the effects of this. lily white and blood red, what a stark contrast. lmbc
November 13th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Can you share a bit more with us, lmbc?
The film is based on the suffering of those slaves, and of their descendants (who, as you point out, are still feeling the effects of this history), and on the advantages which the DeWolf family gained from this pain two centuries ago.
The pain felt by some members of the DeWolf family, which is entirely secondary, is caused by these very facts: that our ancestors caused enormous harm; that they profited from that harm, and that in some ways we still benefit from what they did; and that African Americans endure that legacy to this day.
If this film seems to you to be “too little, too late,” then what would you suggest? What should be said or done? Or is it simply too late, and you think we should stop talking about the past?
February 2nd, 2009 at 12:25 am
Mr. Perry,
You and your family continue to prosper and enjoy the fruits of the labors of African slaves. The pain you feel is justified. Even now, there are people who would carry on as if this were not true, and your ancestors were “respectable patriots” worthy of praise throughout eternity. Men who seek high office or positions of power will continue to quote and praise Thomas Jefferson, despite his atrocious dereliction of duty, worthy of posthumous impeachment. You ask what should be said or done as if you are at a loss for ideas, sir. I find it insulting for the sons and daughters of thieves and murderers to ask, with straight faces, for suggestions as to what they could do to repair the damage done by their parents. You seem to be capable researchers. Find as many descendants as you can of the slaves your family has bought and sold and ask them to think of some things that you and your cousins could do to clear the family name. I’m sure they’ll come up with something. Best,