PRESS RELEASES

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                              
Contact: Deriece K. Bennett
April 3, 2007                                                                        (410) 841-3185

Maryland Expresses Profound Regrets

The Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland (LBCM), Inc. acknowledges the State of Maryland for publicly declaring regret for the State’s participation in slavery and celebrates the leadership of Maryland Senator Nathaniel Exum, sponsor of Senate Joint Resolution 6 and Delegate Michael Vaughn, sponsor of House Joint Resolution 4, entitled Slavery in Maryland, which was supported by the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland.

In the resolution, the State of Maryland “expresses profound regret for the role that Maryland played in instituting and maintaining slavery and for the discrimination that was slavery’s legacy.”

Whereas we can never completely undo the horrendous crimes that were part of slavery (dehumanization, brutality, humiliation, etc.), the State of Maryland, acknowledges its involvement in the involuntary servitude of human beings and expresses remorse for the wrongful acts committed against African American generations.

Additionally, the state declares, “... be it further resolved that the State of Maryland recommits itself to the principle that all people are equal and equally endowed with unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

The constitutional implications of such a recommitment, coupled with implementation in legislative, executive and judiciary branches of government as well as the media, should evoke hope, resilience and healing for many African American citizens whose lives have been negatively impacted by the enslavement of prior generations.

Moving forward, the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland looks toward working with, and on behalf of, all Maryland citizens in appreciation of cultural diversity and affirmation of African American cultures that are diverse as the Diaspora itself.

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