208 years after New Jersey passes its gradual emancipation law New Jersey lawmakers are considering giving a formal apology to African Americans for the state's role in the institution of slavery.
I’se say, “No, prah-blem ole massa. I’s gonna accep’ yo ‘pology.”
Well it’s about time. It looks like things are finally turning around for us African Americans. Just last year the NAACP held funeral rites for the dreaded N word and black women even got an apology from pickled shock jock Don Imus. No one can overlook the serious ramification of those crucial political actions.
Perhaps once New Jersey apologizes, following the lead of Southern states like Maryland and Mississippi (both bastions of racial harmony and fiscal, political and social equality) New Jersey blacks and whites[1] can begin to live in racial harmony the way they were meant to. I know Trenton can’t wait.
I am going to keep my ears glues to the radio to hear if they make an affirmative vote to apologize. Once the intent to apologize has been issue we united African Americans can contact our appointed leader, Al Sharpton, and ask him to make himself available to accept the apology. If he is too busy getting his perm touched up or attending to constituents I understand that both Salt and Pepa of the eponymous female rap duo both live in Short Hills. They haven’t been busy lately and might do the honors. Frankly, they need the work.
I am glad and I know that the taxpayers of the state of New Jersey are also glad that their lawmakers are using the time for which they are handsomely paid debating such important matters and not whiling the time away with the coming budgetary, educational and healthcare crises. At very least, post-apology the NJ state government can begin to unravel the web of welfare and affirmative action programs oppressing the black community as they will no longer be relevant. Words and gestures are better more comforting and much more fiscally prudent. Perhaps when they have finished healing all wounds within the Black community they can begin to make amends with Native Americans perhaps let them open a few casinos.
One can dream.
[1] By whites I mean authentic whites, you know - Anglo Saxons. By the way,others (Asians, Latinos, Mediterranean, Slavic types etc.) probably weren’t on the scene yet and so can continue to hate on blacks without apology. Good news.
