Councilor Proposes Boston Apologize for Its Role in Slavery

BOSTON (AP) — Town of Boston would acknowledge and apologize for its function within the trans-Atlantic slave commerce, below a decision to be formally launched later this week.

The proposal by Metropolis Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson listed on Wednesday’s council agenda would additionally name for town to decide to repairing slavery’s hurt.

Among the many actions town may take embody eradicating “distinguished anti-Black symbols” and educating Bostonians on the historical past of the slave commerce, in keeping with the decision.

Earlier this yr, Councilor Julia Mejia proposed making a metropolis fee to weigh reparations and different types of atonement for Boston’s function in slavery and its legacy of inequality. That proposal is presently pending earlier than the council.

Anderson and Mejia didn’t reply to emails and calls looking for remark Monday.

However Rev. Kevin Peterson of the New Democracy Coalition, an advocacy group that’s lengthy pushed for reparations in Boston, mentioned it’s necessary town first acknowledge and apologize for its function in slavery earlier than it addresses the query of reparations.

“Solely by means of providing an apology to Blacks who’ve been harmed can we successfully transfer ahead,” he mentioned in an announcement.

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