On Monday, June 13th, the U.S. Senate officially apologized for failing to pass any of the approximated 200 anti-lynching bills in the first half of the twentieth century. Seven presidents petitioned in favor of such bills, and still none ever came into effect. Sadly, the lack of punishment for this crime resulted in the deaths of at least 4,742 people of varying racial groups, but mostly black.
This apology is certainly well-deserved, and I'm proud of the U.S. policy makers for recognizing its necessity. However, I also agree with the underlying message from the author of LaShawn Barber's Corner that apologies for the past do not make up for injustices in the present. Yes, by all means apologize, but do not stop there. We must also take steps to treat all people with justice in every national behavior.
No comments:
Post a Comment