Governor Jack Markell is backing a resolution that would officially condemn and apologize for Delaware’s role in slavery.
Markell announced his support for the apology when he visited Wilmington’s Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church Sunday to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the constitutional amendment that emancipated America’s slaves.
He said that while the apology wouldn’t undo the past, it would formally acknowledge the, “experience of Delawareans who still feel its harsh effects."
Senate Majority Whip Margaret Rose Henry is sponsoring the legislation in the state Senate.
"And even after all of this time, there are still vestiges of slavery that we have to experience every day," she said. "In terms of economic opportunity, education, opportunities to own businesses."
She added that the resolution will move to advance healing for the state’s African American community. "As an African-American, I think it’s extremely important that we understand, and not forget, the darkest chapter of our nation’s history," she concluded.
Representative Stephanie T. Bolden is sponsoring the legislation in the House.
Bolden and Henry plan to introduce the resolution when the General Assembly reconvenes in January.
Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina have already passed similar resolutions.