Del. Frank Hargrove, R-Hanover, is facing criticism for his comments opposing the adoption of a resolution that would apologize to descendants of slaves on behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
In an interview with the Charlottesville Daily Progress about the resolution Hargrove said black citizens should "get over" slavery.
According to Hargrove's legislative aide Buddy Fowler, however, the delegate's words have been misunderstood.
"He is not a racist," Fowler said. "His thoughts are that the good people of Hanover County are not really concerned with issues that occurred hundreds of years ago."
Dean of African-American Affairs Maurice Apprey, however, said the effects of slavery continue to influence blacks today.
"Families were sold; people were disconnected," Apprey said. "The disintegration of the African-American family will not be repaired sufficiently in my lifetime," adding that the Office of African-American Affairs will not take a position on the resolution or Hargrove's comments.
Minority Rights Coalition Chair Patrick Martinez said descendants of slaves have to deal with the effects of racism, and that the issue needs to be discussed.
"Racism isn't something you can get over; it has to be acknowledged," he said. "An apology is necessary."
Martinez added that he didn't see any difficulties in a state-issued apology.
"I don't see what the big deal about an apology is," Martinez said.
Fowler agreed, saying that issuing an apology would be an easy task to accomplish.
"But what would it mean?" Fowler said. "What good would it do? It wouldn't hurt anybody, but it wouldn't mean anything either."
The Albemarle County Republicans also questioned the purpose of an apology.
"There are no slaves alive today and no slave owners alive today, so it's unclear to me who would be apologizing to whom," Albemarle County Republican Chairman Keith Drake said.
This controversy comes just weeks after Rep. Virgil Goode, R-Charlottesville, made controversial comments about the use of the Quran ina congressional swearing-in ceremony.Hargrove's comments do not reflect any prejudice or discrimination, Fowler said.
"In America, we don't judge people by that, it's by what you bring to the table," Fowler said, noting that Hargrove "doesn't care what religion [or race] you are."
Fowler also added that Hargrove plans to support a resolution celebrating the end of slavery.
"That's something everyone in the commonwealth can get behind," Fowler said. "That [measure] would be much more appropriate and much more positive."
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