Another State—this time Florida—Officially Apologizes for its History of Slavery

Aimee Herd (March 28, 2008)

"'All that is necessary for evil to prevail is for good people to do nothing,' I think we are reminded of that today because it takes courage to do the right thing, and it's not always easy."

(Tallahassee, Florida)—This week Florida joined five other states in issuing an apology for the state's "shameful" history of slavery.

The state legislature overwhelmingly passed a resolution that "expressed profound regret" for its role "in sanctioning and perpetuating involuntary servitude upon generations of African slaves."

Larry E. Rivers, author of Slavery in Florida noted that "from 1845 to 1860, it was one of the fastest-growing slave states in the union." Senator Anthony C. Hill Sr., of Jacksonville—one of several senators who had pushed for the resolution—said, "I think now we can begin the healing process of reconciliation."

Quoting the philosopher Edmund Burke, Governor Charlie Crist said, "'All that is necessary for evil to prevail is for good people to do nothing.'" He added, "I think we are reminded of that today because it takes courage to do the right thing, and it's not always easy."

Read the full NY Times article at the link provided.

Source: Damien Cave, Christine Jordan Sexton – NY Times