Some Members of the Congressional Black Caucus Riled Over Slavery Apology Resolution without Support for Reparations

As you will recall, the Senate voted earlier this month to formally apologize for slavery and racial segregation, which, personally, I think is not worth its weight in gold, but a fallout is looming. Though the move appears to be consistent with other nonbinding, symbolic resolutions that lawmakers have passed before, apologizing for such things as the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II, some black lawmakers, notably members of the Congressional Black Caucus, are upset because a disclaimer in the resolution says that it does not support or authorizes reparations by the United States. The resolution, which was passed by voice vote, said it was important for Americans to apologize for slavery “so they can move forward and seek reconciliation, justice, and harmony for all people of the United States.” It was passed on the day before Juneteenth, which commemorates the emancipation of slaves in 1865.

"I would not want to have any language in place that would deny anyone, any citizen, the right to address a grievance," said Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., head of the Caucus. "I feel that some method other than just an apology should be made," said Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss. "People should be made whole."

But other House Democrats say they don't oppose the disclaimer. "I think it's just legal clarity that this doesn't provide a basis for reparations and the resolution we passed in the House, though it didn't have that provisions, was not passed as a basis for reparations either," said Rep. Steve Cohen who represents a majority black district in Tennessee and sponsored a House version passed last year. Source: Fox News

At this point, we don't need reparations in the form of cash payments to descendants of African Americans who were quite clearly wronged, given the economic climate the country has found itself in. We need better schools, especially in the inner city areas. We need to equip our teachers and students, doctors and nurses, law enforcement, fire men with the best tools possible to compete and do their jobs effectively. We need to provide more jobs for the unemployed and the under-employed. I wish these same lawmakers in the Congressional Black Caucus would turn their attention to the high crime rates in their inner cities and high unemployment and high drop-out rates of students in these districts. I don't see what benefit comes from apologizing for slavery because the pepretrators of the slave trade are dead and racism, though subtle in some circles, is still alive and well in the United States.

There have been many arguments made for and against reparations. From a historical and legal context, one could argue that the statute of limitations for filing such lawsuits has long passed, therefore, courts are prohibited from granting relief of any kind. You will recall that several high profile cases against a number of companies with ties to slavery have been dismissed. I believe that reparations would be counterproductive, in that it would increase racial hostility on many levels. Sometimes one has to live by the creed, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." I agree with the comments of former slave, Booker T. Washington written in "Up From Slavery."

I have long since ceased to cherish any spirit of bitterness against the Southern white people on account of the enslavement of my race. No one section of our country was wholly responsible for its introduction... Having once got its tentacles fastened on to the economic and social life of the Republic, it was no easy matter for the country to relieve itself of the institution. Then, when we rid ourselves of prejudice, or racial feeling, and look facts in the face, we must acknowledge that, notwithstanding the cruelty and moral wrong of slavery, the ten million Negroes inhabiting this country, who themselves or whose ancestors went through the school of American slavery, are in a stronger and more hopeful condition, materially, intellectually, morally, and religiously, than is true of an equal number of black people in any other portion of the globe. ...

This I say, not to justify slavery -- on the other hand, I condemn it as an institution, as we all know that in America it was established for selfish and financial reasons, and not from a missionary motive -- but to call attention to a fact, and to show how Providence so often uses men and institutions to accomplish a purpose. When persons ask me in these days how, in the midst of what sometimes seem hopelessly discouraging conditions, I can have such faith in the future of my race in this country, I remind them of the wilderness through which and out of which, a good Providence has already led us.

To read more about reparations, CLICK HERE.