Slavery in Virginia isn’t only injustice
Re “Va. lawmakers vote for slavery apology,” Feb. 25
I was born and raised in Martinsville, Va., and it’s good to see the Commonwealth of Virginia finally apologize for slavery. Perhaps the Virginia Legislature can find it in its heart to apologize for other atrocities. In 1949 in Martinsville, seven black men were arrested in the rape of a white woman. Although no white man had ever been executed for rape in Virginia, by 1951 all seven had been executed.
In 1959, instead of integrating, Prince Edward County closed its entire public school system for five years. I’m sure there are many other untold stories about injustices in Virginia, stories that helped mold and change America.
PAMELA A. HARIOTS
Washington
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So the Virginia Legislature has issued an apology for slavery. That may be well and good. But what about slavery going on right now? Black Sudanese in Darfur are suffering every day, shackled in bondage by Arab militias.
Forget apologies. Let us demand liberation now.
SCOTT ABRAMSON
San Mateo
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