Slavery is a large and vital part of Delaware’s history, which dates to the 1600’s. Native Americans were the first slaves in Delaware, but by the 1700’s the large slave population was made up entirely of enslaved Africans. After abolishing slavery, Delaware passed and enforced Jim Crow laws, which were to deny the rights of African American citizens for most of the 20th century. Delaware’s government acknowledges the state’s participation and the harm that was caused and ‘today is impacted by the lasting legacy of slavery, including ongoing tension between races and the existence of institutional racism.’
Delaware began to take steps to “right the wrongs” in 2015 by issuing pardons to three people who participated in the Underground Railroad, assisting enslaved Africans to escape to freedom. Thomas Garrett, a Quaker who worked closely with Harriet Tubman, John Hunn, who was a farmer in Camden, Delaware and was an abolitionist, and Samuel Burris, a free black man.
In 2016 Governor Jack Markell issued a formal apology for the state’s participation in slavery and the impact on enslaved Africans and their descendants. In a statement, Markell stated, “We accept the responsibility of tearing down the barriers that face so many of our neighbors as a result of the abhorrent laws and practices carried out against African-Americans.
But we also assume this responsibility with enthusiasm, because we know what’s possible when we give more of our people the chance to make the most of their talents. And we know that every step we take toward equality of opportunity brings us closer to the society we dream of for us and for our children.”
The efforts have not stopped, and in December 2020, Wilmington City Council voted to create a task force to look into possible reparations and how they would impact the residents. The City Council Taskforce to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans is the outcome of an idea that the Council President Hanifa Shabazz had. Shabazz’s role as President of the Council ended at the beginning of 2021. However, the steps for the task force are still moving forward. Councilman Chris Johnson introduces the resolution on Shabazz’s behalf. He states, “What we’re talking about is community services. Investment in housing, loan forgiveness, there’s a whole host of different ideas that can level the playing field because of over 200 years of oppression. For all Wilmingtonians, a city that is 70% African Americans, this is very important.”
At this time, it is unclear how or where the task force will be seated. It will have a significant impact on a city with a high population of African Americans with many descendants of enslaved Africans.
References:
Righting a wrong: Delaware pardons man who guided slaves to freedom By Carma Hassan and Phil Gast, CNN https://www.cnn.com/2015/10/30/us/underground-railroad-burris-delaware-governor-pardon/index.html (retrieved on January 25, 2021)
Delaware Backstory: Pardons for 3 who aided slaves? The News Journal https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2015/01/04/delaware-backstory-pardons-aided-slaves/21270495/ (retrieved on January 25, 2021)
City Council Resolution re Reparations Final Draft https://www.wilmingtoncitycouncil.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/City-Council-Resolution-re-Reparations-FINAL-DRAFT-11.19.20.pdf (retrieved January 25, 2021)
