NJ becomes first Northern state to apologize for slavery - Breaking News From New Jersey - NJ.com: New Jersey tonight became the first Northern state to apologize for slavery.
The Assembly voted 59-8 and the Senate 29-2 to approve a resolution expressing 'profound regret' for New Jersey's role in slavery. A resolution expresses the Legislature's opinion without requiring action by the governor.
'This resolution does nothing more than say New Jersey is sorry about its shameful past,' said Assemblyman William Payne, D-Essex, who sponsored the measure.
The resolution offers an apology 'for the wrongs inflicted by slavery and its aftereffects in the United States of America.'
It states that in New Jersey, 'the vestiges of slavery are ever before African-American citizens, from the overt racism of hate groups to the subtle racism encountered when requesting health care, transacting business, buying a home, seeking quality public education and college admission, and enduring pretextual traffic stops and other indignities.'
Opponents said the apology was a meaningless gesture.
Legislators in Alabama, Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia have issued formal apologies for slavery.
