This section requires Flash Player (version 9). You can download the Flash player here

Celeb Blogs >> more Celeb Blogs

We Needed To Hear That

Posted by: 6/19/2009 | 3,262 Views

COMMENTS

Today, we celebrate Juneteenth, a day commemorating the announcement of the abolition of slavery on June 19, 1865. Yesterday, after 144 years, the United States Senate apologized for slavery. With a unanimous vote, America has begun her healing process. For our country will never be able to heal itself without atoning for the sins of our past. We have finally recognized that in order for us to move forward as a people in this beautiful nation, we need to acknowledge the pain that we all have suffered because of slavery. The pain has lasted for the past 144 years, and now with our government taking the right step in apologizing, I know that we can begin to heal. The effects of slavery on our communities have been devastating. The devastation does not stop because of the apology; however these are words that we needed to hear. We all needed to hear. This was a day that many of us have dreamed about for our entire lives. This was a day that many who were at the forefront of this struggle could not enjoy because they are no longer with us. And for those heroes, I go to work every day to make sure that they are never forgotten.

http://globalgrind.com/content/750964/US-Senate-Apologizes-For-Slavery/

With my newly appointed position as the United Nations’ Goodwill Ambassador for the Permanent Memorial to the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, I vow to work on behalf of our young people to make sure that we never have to feel this sort of pain again. As we all know, slavery and human trafficking exist all around the world, at record numbers. We must remember the past, however we also must work to prevent our mistakes from happening again in the present and the future. I will work even harder in my roles as a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, and I urge you all to take a moment to recognize the importance of the actions of the United States Senate. Let the healing continue…

Yours Truly,
His Excellency Ambassador Russell Simmons

TAGS -

29 comments

The healing begins with an apology an admittance for those who still believe they are correct with their old thought patterns, the healing begins when african americans can value their achievments and not have the mentality of victim. Therefore you will be. Don't expect anything but equality and an end to slavery in our minds snd in our justice system (jail). Love you Mr. Simmons We appreciate all the work you do.

lisaboo444 7/10/2009 | reply
0
I am from the North of Afrika and even I know that the white man promissed something to the Afrikan American community: where are the 40 acres and a mule???!!!
Hahahah! An appology is a good beginning.
Now let them start reparing the socio-economical situation of the black people, and we might see some justice happening!

Peace to you!

Rachid 6/28/2009 | reply
0
I'd just like to make a small clarification. June 19th is not the day that slavery was abolished in America. Slavery was actually abolished in January of that year. June 19th marks the date that slaves in Texas were informed that they were free, which is why for many years this holiday was only celebrated in Texas

Connie 6/27/2009 | reply
0
When will our group get repatriation? When will our turn come? According to Mrs Debra Kofie" We are the only group that have not received reparations. The Jewish people have received reparations. The native Americans have received reparations. The Korean comfort women and so-on and so forth,"

All those in the diaspora, who want to return and settle in Africa, should be allowed to do so and that those who were enslaved and colonised from Africa should be provided seaworthy vessels and aircraft for such repatriation.

This was a big issue in Jamaica when the Queen of England came to visit, several years ago. Rastafarians requested to speak to the Queen about going back to Africa. Of course they did not get their request granted.But they keep trying.

It is a Rastafarians dream to head home to the "motherland, ". Rita Marley and most of her family have relocated to Ghana and she even wanted to move Bob Marleys body there. "I see myself still as a Jamaican, but Africa is our roots and I was always looking forward to this transition," she said. Fortunately she can afford to do this other rastas are praying this can happen for them too.

Two of the Rastas' stated policies of the 1960s were: "TO promote educational progress of the African continent, its languages, culture and history," and "To recognize the hurt suffered by the Continent of Africa through colonialism and to devote time and energy towards the development of Africa by all possible contributions." They believe that Ras Tafari Haile Selassie I, emperor of Ethiopia, is the living God and black Messiah; believe in repatriation to Ethiopia, via Africa, the true home and redemption of black people.

The rastas stance 6/22/2009 | reply
0
YES INDEED, The healing has began...not yet there is a need to put the word to action. Congress can not just apologize, there is a need to correct the history of the United States of American in terms of the African-American involvement in the making of the wealth of this country. In terms of the social impact of slavery on black people and further more, allowed every single African-American be proud of his origin and be FREE like the Irish, German and everybody else... You got to live your African ATTITUDES...

6/21/2009 | reply
0
One more thing. What about modern day slavery? This S*** is still going on. And Mr. Simmons makes millions off of it. Africans are being paid little to nothing to unearth diamonds and these stone are being sold for mass profits all around the world. While Africans die, their family starve and live in poverty. People who profit off their slave wages live a life of fame a glory. This type of hypocritical BS needs to stop.

Whatever I'm out!

6/21/2009 | reply
0
This country grew strong because of the free work the slaves did. The only reason for the Civil War was because the South was becoming too rich and the North wanted some of that Money. Ending slavery was a strategy the North used to enlist the Black people to fight for them. Now even if this country had the money to pay the Afro-Americans what the deserved, they wouldn't.

6/21/2009 | reply
0
Funny how this apology came only after the first black president took office. That really makes me believe they mean it!

6/21/2009 | reply
0
Mr. Simmons, this is what makes you not only a business role model for me but also an example of how to carry out ones life. Here's my thoughts on the issue....http://bam811.blogspot.com/

B Miller 6/20/2009 | reply
0
mAKE FRIENDS ,CHAT, CONTEST'S!!"THE PEOPLES SITE-ON BANANAS!!NEWEST SOCIAL NETWORK ON THE WEB!!!
www.WEBLINGINC.COM..ITS FREE!!!

www.WeBlinginc.com 6/20/2009 | reply
0
Should the US govt pay reparations for Slavery. THE SIMPLE ANSWER IS YES YES YES.

SW34 6/20/2009 | reply
1
HoTTest Social networking site on the web!!Check OUT..(NEW)www.weblinginc.com

www.WeBlinginc.com 6/20/2009 | reply
0
WHAT A JOKE THIS IS! ROTFLOL. AT LEAST THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL LEFT EGYPT WITH GOLD AND OTHER FINE THING'S, PHARAOHS APOLOGY WOULDN'T HAVE MEANT ISH TO THEM. GET IT!!!!!

Selita 6/19/2009 | reply
0
Let today be a day of commemoration, reflection, achievement and celebration. I pray I never lose sight of how fragile freedom can be. Happy Juneteenth Day brothers and sisters.

4Revolution 6/19/2009 | reply
0
The Haitian Revolution (1791–1804) was a successful slave revolt against French Colonial powers. It established Haiti as the first republic ruled by blacks. Almost a hundred years prior! lol PERHAPS THEIR STILL PAYING FOR THAT BRAZEN ACT Hmmm...?

I don't think most black people give a damn about healing.
WHERE'S THE GOD DAM 40 ACRES AND THE F*****G MULE? ILMAO

djwazu 6/19/2009 | reply
0
- anger;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; emotion is fine im promoting healing and awareness
  
  6/19/2009 | reply
  0
- My sister's doctoral dissertation is on the parental relationship between African American political consciousness and Caribbean--particularly Haitian--revolution. From Garvey in New York to the Detroit labor movement you will find references of Caribbean immigration.
  
  So no doubt, Haiti's history has stereotyped them as ungovernable, rabble rousers in retaliation and preparation to their independence.
  
  What country with a significant opressed minority would want to import revolutionaries?
  
  Shemlock 6/19/2009 | reply
  0