When I heard that Virginia had apologized for slavery, I was a bit taken aback. The question that kept playing in my head was, I thought they already did that, so why did they feel the need to do it again? As a black American and a descendant of slaves, I’ve never felt that Virginia or white America has ever owed me anything. I did, however, grow up feeling that America owed me a fare opportunity to be the best that I could be, and it has granted me that opportunity.  An opportunity for which I am deeply grateful. I have accomplished all that I have put my heart and soul into and became the best at what I was doing at that time. So, as for me, no apology is needed.

In fact, I’m certain Virginia has already done what was needed in order to show its regret for its treatment of black America. The more than 4,000 Virginian soldiers who died in the civil war fighting for the Union, was apology enough. Men, for the most part, fought and died, not because they believed that slavery was wrong, but because their country asked them to stand up and bare arms against their brothers for the sake of God and Country. It was, for the most part, a bringing together of the country. The leaders of that time realized that in order for this country’s written documents to hold any value, then the words of those documents had to ring true for all who lived in this country. A nation was torn apart due to the economic growth of one part and the belief of another. It could have easily been decided that everyone would prosper from slave labor, and grow this country on the backs of those whose skin was other than white. But, a decision was made that had far reaching consequences, and I stand here today as a result of it.

I am grateful for such leaders as Martin Delany, a Virginian, W.E.B. Du Bois, Booker T. Washington, Martin Luther King Jr, Malcolm X, Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice. But, I think a great much of my appreciation should go to those white Americans who gave their lives, in spite of their beliefs, in order that my great, great, great grandfather could be freed from slavery, which in turn granted me the opportunity to write this letter. And, I dare say, for you to read it. For without the sacrifices of those who died for the Union, in this country’s most troubling period, many of us would not be here today, the world would be a much different place. For those who can't realize such sacrifices for what they are, I feel sorry for their misguided comprehension.

In my lifetime, I have never heard the so-called black leaders speak to this truth. Or, use it as rallying cry for blacks to remember that though this nation, for a time, lost it’s way, there were a great many, both black and white who gave their lives so that we could become the great nation we are today.

I know racism is still a factor in our society today, but an understanding of how the world works could give you great incite to the fact that racism, in one form or another has always existed and always will, in one form or another. But, I can live with that, and have, because I realize that I’m not always going to be liked or appreciated, and will not always like or appreciate others. And, my take on that is, it's human nature.

Leaders of Virginia, you have already paid your debt to black America and you owe us no more.

I ask, as any American should, for no special treatment, I ask only for what my qualifications qualify me for, no more, no less.

That is the American way.

Cliff Brotherton

March 10, 2007