Congressman proposes slavery apology

WASHINGTON, May 27 (UPI) -- A white congressman from a largely black district hopes to convince the U.S. House to apologize to African-Americans for slavery.

Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn. plans to introduce a bill to apologize for slavery, Jim Crow segregation and the continuing legacy of discrimination against black people, The (Memphis, Tenn.) Commercial Appeal reported Sunday.

Germany apologized for its treatment of Jews in World War II, while Australia apologized to its aborigines and former Prime Minister Tony Blair apologized to the Irish for Britain's handling of the potato famine, Cohen said.

Benjamin L. Hooks, the retired NAACP executive director, applauded the idea. "However small, it ought to be done," Hooks said.

The proposed apology is opposed by some, including Fred Lincoln, a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.  

"There are no slaves left and there are no slaveholders, so this is silly," said Lincoln, adding that an immigrant ancestor of his named Lincoln arrived in America as an indentured servant.