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Washington, DC— Today, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.), former Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, released the following statement in support of H.Res. 194, apologizing for the enslavement and racial segregation of African Americans, which is under consideration today in the House of Representatives:
“As a fifty-seven-year-old Black man and a descendent of slaves, I understand first-hand the devastating imprint that slavery, racism, and segregation has left on the foundation of our country. It pains me that the effects of such discrimination are still embedded in the fabric of our society—seen in the disparities of education, health care, and employment opportunities.
“In the past year, people of all races, religions, and backgrounds came together to stand out against a series of racial incidents symbolized through the placement of nooses around the country. Despite all of the accomplishments of the African American community—and of our society as a whole—these actions of intolerance are unwelcome reminders that racial tension and discrimination are not the distant memories that we may think they are.
“I am very pleased to join my colleagues today in supporting a formal apology to the African American community for the inexcusable pain and suffering that has come both directly and indirectly from the practice of slavery and other discriminatory policies that were maintained by the U.S. Congress. This is a large step forward in reconciliation for the offenses of generations past, and I applaud Rep. Cohen for standing up and leading the House forward on this journey.”
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