Politics / slavery House Measure Apologizes for US Slavery Resolution marks first official expression of regret for divisive past By Newser Editors and Wire Services Posted Jul 29, 2008 6:15 PM CDT Copied Today's resolution apologizing for slavery "represents a milestone in our nation's efforts to remedy the ills of our past," said Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, D-Mich. (AP Photo) The House has apologized to black Americans for the wrongs committed against them and their ancestors who suffered under slavery and Jim Crow segregation laws. Today's resolution marks the first time Congress has ever formally apologized for America's past history of enslaving and discriminating against blacks. "Today represents a milestone in our nation's efforts to remedy the ills of our past," said Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, D-Mich., chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus. (More slavery stories.) Report an error