N.C. House Apologizes for Slavery in State

RALEIGH, N.C., April 11 -- The North Carolina House formally apologized Wednesday "for the injustice, cruelty and brutality of slavery," following up on the apology the Senate issued last week for the state's historic racism.

In another emotional and frank debate on race unusual for the Legislative Building, House members approved both their resolution 117 to 0 and a broader Senate resolution that also apologized for the state's Jim Crow laws and other legalized segregation.

"No individual is responsible for this," said Rep. Larry Womble (D-Forsyth), a primary sponsor of the House resolution, during a debate of more than two hours. "The state of North Carolina, this government did this to its own people. This should not happen."

The legislature's apologies occurred after Confederate neighbor Virginia voted unanimously in February to express its regret for that state's role in slavery. Maryland lawmakers approved an apology for slavery late last month.

The House and Senate versions recount a long history of discrimination against North Carolina's black population, starting with the practices of "involuntary servitude" while a British colony in the 17th century.

As the Civil War began, about 330,000 people -- about one-third of North Carolina's population at the time -- were slaves. By comparison, about 60 percent of the population in South Carolina were slaves, the highest proportion among the Confederate states.

"Don't take it personal, but the lawmakers and policy makers of that time passed laws that made human bondage legal," Rep. Earline W. Parmon (D-Forsyth) told colleagues.

In Montgomery, Ala., meanwhile, state Sen. Hank Sanders (D) introduced a resolution to express the Alabama legislature's "profound regret" for slavery.