The Virginia House of Delegates Rules Committee unanimously passed a resolution Wednesday expressing the commonwealth's "profound regret" for its role in slavery.
The resolution, sponsored by Del. A. Donald McEachin, D-Henrico County, was initially met with much concern and debate when it was introduced last month, most notably from Del. Frank D. Hargrove, R-Glen Allen. Hargrove had been quoted as saying, in an interview with the Charlottesville Daily Progress, black citizens should "get over" slavery.
The bill, however, was successfully passed onto the House floor following a wording modification.
Prior to the wording change, the resolution called for the commonwealth to "atone for the involuntary servitude of Africans." The agreed-upon version instead acknowledges "with contrition the involuntary servitude" and also expresses a call for "reconciliation among all Virginians."
The alternative wording was suggested by Del. John M. O'Bannon, III, R-Henrico County, and was deemed as preferential to the previous wording by the House Republican leadership.
According to McEachin, the resolution is "meant to express the state's deepest and most profound regret for slavery."
He added that the resolution is intended to coincide with the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown, when slavery entered the United States.
The resolution refers to slavery as "an institution directly antithetical to and irreconcilable with the fundamental principle of human equality and freedom," and as "the most horrendous of all depredations of human rights and violations of our founding ideals in our nation's history."
Moreover, the resolution states that the commonwealth acknowledges both its role in sanctioning slavery and other historical wrongs, and also includes the fact that an apology cannot correct past injustices.
Minority Rights Coalition Chair Patrick Martinez said he believes "the apology is an important first step, but further steps might be taken," but did not specify exactly what legislative action, if any, would have to occur in the future.
McEachin said the resolution is "not meant to speak to reparations of any kind."
Buddy Fowler, legislative aide to Hargrove, said Hargrove voted in favor of the bill and was not at odds with the new wording.
Fowler added that he "believe[s] he [Hargrove] will be introducing his resolution for a day celebrating the end of slavery soon."
The resolution also calls "upon the citizens of the commonwealth to enter into a spirit of thanksgiving for the contributions made by Virginians of diverse cultures and backgrounds to the advance of freedom, justice, democracy and opportunity in America and the world."
Del. David Toscano, D-Charlottesville, said he will vote in favor of the resolution when it comes before him on the House floor, adding that he applauds the compromises made in regards to the wording.
"I think it [the resolution] represents a nice compromise that represents how we can best reconcile citizens in Virginia and recognize the terrible indignities caused by slavery," Toscano said. "I hope it will enjoy broad public support and help put an end to this part of our past"
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