<p>"CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia (AP) -- The University of Virginia's board marked founder Thomas Jefferson's birthday with an apology for the school's use of slave labor between 1819 and 1865.</p>
<p>The board of visitors unanimously passed an apology resolution on April 13, the 264th anniversary of Jefferson's birth, but did not announce the action until Tuesday.</p>
<p>The measure was inspired by the Virginia Legislature, which passed a resolution in February expressing its "profound regret" for the state's role in slavery. Legislatures in Maryland and North Carolina approved similar slavery apologies this year, and another measure is under consideration in Alabama.</p>
<p>Slaves in Virginia helped build some of the first buildings at University of Virginia, which opened in 1825, and the university continued to use slave labor for four decades after that...."</p>
<p>Interesting story. I'm an idiot, but does it really matter whether or not they apologized about it? It can't come to any big surprise that it occurred. It was Virginia in the early 1800's.... Some enlightenment needed for me, I'm afraid.</p>
<p>As a practical matter, the apology and who offers it, whether it's a southern University or a northern corporation, is probably a wash, since the nation's economy, north and south, was in large part supported by the slave trade. The northern railroads, banking houses and insurance companies all benefited. If such initiatives helps the nation further understand, discuss and respect its history, fine. There is some importance attached to it. In my opinion, its somewhat similar to the cause of the folks whom opposed construction upon civil war battlegrounds like Manasas (wasn't that a 'Disney America" proposal?). It's history and it remains important to many people.</p>
<p>To me, the fact that they apologized is a big deal because despite the many heinous things that occurred during slavery -- things that hurt the enslaved Africans, but built some of the major institutions in this country, and contributed to many people's wealth -- there have been few acknowledgements of the slave's contributions nor apologies for their enslavement.</p>
<p>Indeed, typically the enslaved African's contributions and plight are totally overlooked. One can visit many institutions that they built, and see no acknowledgement of their contributions nor acknowledgement that their contributions were made under extreme duress.</p>
<p>NSM, that's a great point. When a museum or two exhibited Tom Hennings (Sally's brother) Monticello woodwork and carpentry a few years ago, I was really impressed by that museum's effort to bring recognition to him, and by extension other bondsmen/women.</p>
<p>In my view, apologies are basically useless and a diversion from the real problem. Over the past several decades, we have had endless discussions about the evils of slavery (which was indeed, a truly horrible thing). What we have not had is action that helps inner city blacks overcome the obstacles that they face to succeed in society. Such action is warranted and essential not because of anything that happened centuries ago, but because no children in our society should be placed in the that many of these children face.</p>
<p>Its time to stop worrying about who should apologize to whom and get on with it.</p>
<p>An apology from those who weren't involved in the offense to those who are no longer alive confuses me. I don't get it. I don't object, I'm just not particularly impressed.</p>
<p>NSM makes good points about recognizing contributions by slaves. I simply don't see that issuing a formal apology accomplishes the recognition that NSM suggests. It's a cheap gesture that costs nothing.</p>