PRIDE TV: Will Senate's apology for slavery doom reparations movement?

Your network for progressive information Senate passes apology for slavery, but disclaimer concerns some Black lawmakers (June 23, 2009) Several members of the Congressional Black Caucus are livid about a disclaimer that was inserted into a Senate resolution apologizing for slavery and racial segregation. On the eve of Juneteenth, a day traditionally celebrated on June 19th to celebrate the end of the Civil War and release of African Americans from slavery, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution apologizing for slavery and segregation. The measure was introduced by Iowa Democrat Tom Harkin, who says it's imperative that Congress fulfill its moral obligation and officially apologize for slavery and Jim Crow laws. The disclaimer found in the apology clarifies that nothing in the resolution supports or authorizes reparations by the United States and that doesn't sit well with some Black lawmakers. The Senate has passed other nonbinding apologies before as in the case of the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II; however, some Black Congressional leaders are quick to point out disclaimers were not inserted into those previous apologies. "Putting in a disclaimer takes away from the meaning of an apology," Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.-pictured on the left) told McClatchy Newspapers. "A number of us are prepared to vote against it in its present form." Thompson and other Black lawmakers want to make sure the disclaimer does not hamper the work being done to seek reparations for slavery. Do you think the United States should pay out financial reparations to Blacks for the years of slavery and racial segregation? Send comments to: mystory@pridetv.org     'I AM HIP HOP' profiles Sonny Lewis  (2nd in a series) We celebrate Black Music Month by going beyond the beats, rhymes and rhythms of Hip-hop to shine a spotlight on openly gay and lesbian rappers with our series "I AM HIP HOP." This series was inspired by author Terrance Dean and his memoir, Hiding in Hip Hop: On the Down Low in Entertainment. Today, we talk to out rapper Sonny Lewis on staying true to the game. Listen NOW!     New Black Power: Civil Rights in the Age of Obama airs tonight at 10pm. EST on PeopleTV "Pride & Politics with Anare Holmes" talks to a generation of leaders under 40 to discuss how the fight for Civil and Human Rights has evolved and what the struggle will look like in the age of President Barack Obama tonight at 10pm. on PeopleTV-Atlanta Comcast Channel 24. If you do not live in the city limits of Atlanta, you can stream the program live as it airs by logging onto: www.PeopleTV.org Clikc on the right side of the page that says: Watch PeopleTV Now. Pride & Politics brings today's newsmakers, opinion leaders and emerging talents into dialogue that explores the intersection of race, class, faith and sexuality on American life. This pioneering newsmagazine informs us about the common humanity that crosses boundaries. The program airs Tuesdays at 10pm. EST on PeopleTV-Atlanta Comcast 24.   Federation of Black Prides and PRIDETV partner with Tavis Smiley Presents America, I AM: The African American Imprint   "Outside Blackness: The Artistry of Josephine Baker, James Baldwin and Alice Walker" scheduled for 3pm, Saturday July 11th at America, I AM inside the Atlanta Civic Center. Doors will open at 1:30 pm. to allow attendees to walk through the African-American traveling exhibit: America, I AM, which celebrates 500 years of Black achievement. www.americaiam.org "Outside Blackness" is a thought-provoking discussion exploring the creativity, courage and activism of artists who boldly spoke truth to power and whose cultural imprint help change the image of what it means to be Black in America. This special event is sponsored by the International Federation of Black Prides and PRIDETV, in association with a host of other Atlanta LGBT organizations. Tickets to the Outside Blackness event are free. If attendees would like to walk through the America, I Am exhibit, tickets can be purchased onsite for $13. for more information, contact: advertising@pridetv.org     Homophobia in the Black Community If you or someone you know moved to Atlanta, known as the Black Gay Mecca, to come to terms with your sexuality as a same-gender-loving man or woman or member of the transgender community, email: producer@pridetv.org today! While we prefer Atlantans, we are open to anyone who moved anywhere in the United States to be free. PRIDETV is also interested in talking to teens, young men and women who have found themselves cut off from their families and are homeless because of their sexual orientation.   Visit: www.PrideTV.org         PrideTV.org Everyday people, everyday stories  producer@pridetv.org