Sunshine state regrets slavery

Florida apologized for its role in slavery Wednesday, March 26. State legislators expressed “profound regret for the involuntary [enslavement] of [African-Americans] and called for reconciliation among Floridians.”

In its recent apology resolution, the state acknowledged Florida’s severe slave laws. For example, “…slaves duly convicted of robbery…or burglary shall suffer death or have his or her ears nailed to posts and there stand for one hour and receive 30 lashes on his or her bare back at the discretion of the court.’

Since January 2008, Alabama, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey have apologized for its role of slavery in history.

F.Y.I. on Fla.
Web site: www.myflorida.com
Governor: Charlie Crist (R)
U.S. Senators: Bill Nelson (D) and Mel Martinez (R)
Lt. Governor: Jeff Kottkamp (R)
Capital: Tallahassee
Largest city: Jacksonville

Visit www.myfloridahouse.gov to read the entire Florida Senate Concurrent Resolution.