Delaware Governor Officially Apologizes for Slavery

Delaware Governor Jack Markell has officially apologized for the state's role in slavery by signing a resolution that also acknowledged the wrongdoings carried out against African Americans during the Jim Crow era.

The resolution, which was approved by the state's General Assembly last month, read, "Delaware today is impacted by the lasting legacy of slavery, including ongoing tension between races and the existence of institutional racism. It is important for Delaware to make a formal apology for slavery and Jim Crow, so that it can move forward and seek reconciliation, justice, and harmony for all of its citizens."

Rep. Stephanie Bolden (D), who sponsored the bill, told The Wilmington News Journal (via Yahoo! News) that the resolution is a big deal.

"This is a powerful symbolic gesture," Bolden said. "We were one of the last states to end slavery, but we don't have to be one of the last to recognize the terrible damage it did."

Delaware, along with Kentucky and Mississippi, were the last three states to end slavery.

On top of the resolution, Markell will be announcing a proclamation to recognize African American History Month and unveiling an exhibit to honor the 125th anniversary of Delaware State University, a historically black school.

The University's president Harry Williams and state archivist Stephen Marz will be attending the ceremony held at the Delaware Public Archives building.

Delaware becomes the ninth state to issue an official apology for slavery. Virginia was the first state to do so in 2007 followed by Maryland, North Carolina, Alabama, New Jersey, Florida, Tennessee and Connecticut.

The country has yet to issue a federal apology for slavery.