Friday, August 1, 2008

America To African-American Community: Sorry.

http://img.timeinc.net/time/daily/2007/0703/slavery_maryland_0327.jpg

PZ says:
The apology for slavery and the oppression of African-Americans is a good start.
Now for the reversal of the rescinded order regarding the 40 acres and a mule.
This country has consistently undermined the efforts made by the African-American community (not to mention people of color in general) from living a balanced life, and walking a path of success in a supposed freeworld (and that's putting it mildly)a.

The saying 'Indian-giving' bothers me because Native Americans were tricked, and did not go back on their word as the phrase would suggest.
American-Giving might be a better fit... Let's see if they correct that before a similar phrase catches on, to replace the travesty that mocks the pain of Native American culture.

Compensation for building this country on the backs, as well as through the blood, sweat, and agony of innocent, stolen, mind-wiped Africans (and other people of color incl. the Native-Americans who didn't become slavemasters as well), is due.


If you haven't heard, the following passed in the House of Representatives on July 30, 2008:

Apologizing for the enslavement and racial segregation of African-Americans.

Whereas millions of Africans and their descendants were enslaved in the United States and the 13 American colonies from 1619 through 1865;

Whereas slavery in America resembled no other form of involuntary servitude known in history, as Africans were captured and sold at auction like inanimate objects or animals;

Whereas Africans forced into slavery were brutalized, humiliated, dehumanized, and subjected to the indignity of being stripped of their names and heritage;

Whereas enslaved families were torn apart after having been sold separately from one another;

Whereas the system of slavery and the visceral racism against persons of African descent upon which it depended became entrenched in the Nation's social fabric;

Whereas slavery was not officially abolished until the passage of the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution in 1865 after the end of the Civil War, which was fought over the slavery issue;

Whereas after emancipation from 246 years of slavery, African-Americans soon saw the fleeting political, social, and economic gains they made during Reconstruction eviscerated by virulent racism, lynchings, disenfranchisement, Black Codes, and racial segregation laws that imposed a rigid system of officially sanctioned racial segregation in virtually all areas of life;
Whereas the system of de jure racial segregation known as `Jim Crow,' which arose in certain parts of the Nation following the Civil War to create separate and unequal societies for whites and African-Americans, was a direct result of the racism against persons of African descent engendered by slavery;

Whereas the system of Jim Crow laws officially existed into the 1960's--a century after the official end of slavery in America--until Congress took action to end it, but the vestiges of Jim Crow continue to this day;
Whereas African-Americans continue to suffer from the consequences of slavery and Jim Crow--long after both systems were formally abolished--through enormous damage and loss, both tangible and intangible, including the loss of human dignity and liberty, the frustration of careers and professional lives, and the long-term loss of income and opportunity;

Whereas the story of the enslavement and de jure segregation of African-Americans and the dehumanizing atrocities committed against them should not be purged from or minimized in the telling of American history;
Whereas on July 8, 2003, during a trip to Goree Island, Senegal, a former slave port, President George W. Bush acknowledged slavery's continuing legacy in American life and the need to confront that legacy when he stated that slavery `was . . . one of the greatest crimes of history . . . The racial bigotry fed by slavery did not end with slavery or with segregation. And many of the issues that still trouble America have roots in the bitter experience of other times. But however long the journey, our destiny is set: liberty and justice for all.';

Whereas President Bill Clinton also acknowledged the deep-seated problems caused by the continuing legacy of racism against African-Americans that began with slavery when he initiated a national dialogue about race;

Whereas a genuine apology is an important and necessary first step in the process of racial reconciliation;

Whereas an apology for centuries of brutal dehumanization and injustices cannot erase the past, but confession of the wrongs committed can speed racial healing and reconciliation and help Americans confront the ghosts of their past;

Whereas the legislature of the Commonwealth of Virginia has recently taken the lead in adopting a resolution officially expressing appropriate remorse for slavery and other State legislatures are considering similar resolutions; and

Whereas it is important for this country, which legally recognized slavery through its Constitution and its laws, to make a formal apology for slavery and for its successor, Jim Crow, so that it can move forward and seek reconciliation, justice, and harmony for all of its citizens: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives--

(1) acknowledges the fundamental injustice, cruelty, brutality, and inhumanity of slavery and Jim Crow;

(2) apologizes to African-Americans on behalf of the people of the United States, for the wrongs committed against them and their ancestors who suffered under slavery and Jim Crow; and

(3) expresses its commitment to rectify the lingering consequences of the misdeeds committed against African-Americans under slavery and Jim Crow and to stop the occurrence of human rights violations in the future."





What are your thoughts?

6 comments:

blackgirl on mars said...

Thanks Sister! This is amazing information...I've been out of the loop for a while and I just knew stopping by your space would put me back in the loop for all the news that MATTER.
Shine on...
the lab

Danielle said...

You know I'm with you!

Why did it take this long and yes America needs to learn to keep her promises to the Native Americans and descendants of the Africans brought over here to build America.

I just got a ton of articles in the feed reader at once, the ones I missed. Somethings up with the timing, girl.

You know I need my UU.

Always love and light.

Danielle
Modern Musings

PurpleZoe said...

Peace Sistren!

Glad you're back. How was the trip?

You humble me. I'm honored you stop by to catch up on the news in the grassroot.
*_^

With formidable minds like yours, and other conscious bloggers the face of society will be changed sooner than later for sure.

Shine on Sisterstar
-PZ

PurpleZoe said...

Peace D ^_^

Girl, I know how it is with feeds. Been there. Feedblitz is usually very glitchy with me, and sometimes feedburner has major glitches.

It's good that the apology was issued but it's time for the balancing of the rescinded order at least, and a pledge on the part of the government to not stand on the necks of people of color and underrepresented peoples in general in our efforts to build and grow lawfully in society.

Love&Light Sisterstar
-PZ

blackgirl on mars said...

The trip was wrought with realities from which I am still reeling...going home always seem to rip at the paper thin semblance of sanity you thought you had so artfully put together. I'm sure you know what I mean...

PurpleZoe said...

Peace Lesley ^_^

I know exactly what you mean. Make sure you recharge so you can get centered. It's way too easy to get pulled off course when revisiting old stomping grounds.
I had a small taste of that kind of thing when someone I used to know and be semi-cool with literally popped up in my path a week or two back.

The subconscious reaction I had bugged me out.

Shine on Sisterstar
-PZ