RALEIGH (AP) -- The North Carolina Senate is offering an apology for the Legislature's role in promoting slavery and Jim Crow laws that denied basic human rights to the state's black citizens.
Today's move follows the leads of Maryland and Virginia, which passed similar measures earlier this year.
North Carolina's resolution acknowledges the legislature's "profound contrition for the official acts that sanctioned and perpetuated the denial of basic human rights and dignity to fellow humans."
State Senator Tony Rand says the measure is a way to reflect upon this and express its understanding and regret for official actions of the state. Rand was the bill's primary sponsor.
A similar resolution is pending in the state House, which adjourned for the Easter holiday weekend without taking any action.
Black members of the Senate say they're pleased to see the resolution pass, but added a call for improvements to the state's education system and improving access of black-owned businesses to state contracts.
