The Virginia state legislature finally finds the right words to pass a resolution that expressed the regret for all “the involuntary servitude of Africans and the exploitation of Native Americans” on behalf of all Virginians. The resolution passed unanimously in both chambers although still failed to issue a straight apology. Fueling and already controversial issue, Delegate Frank D. Hargrove (R-Hanover) made these comments earlier in this session
“I personally think that our black citizens should get over it,”
And
“Are we going to force the Jews to apologize for killing Christ?”
Despite the varying set of views held on this issue, the Virginia state legislature managed to pass a resolution with which many are pleased. Issuing an apology for slavery would have been the first of its kind from any state, but in the former capital of the Confederacy the legislature still deserves some credit in passing a resolution that according to Senator Henry L. Marsh III (D-Richmond) “preserves the integrity” of its original intention. If nothing else this resolution proves that the state legislature still possesses the will and ability to compromise.
