Posted on 02/11/19
Richmond, VA - Some black clergy and community leaders say they forgive Gov. Ralph Northam for wearing blackface three decades ago and want to give him a second chance.
Eight leaders held a news conference on the steps of the state Capitol on Monday. Northam has resisted widespread calls for his resignation after a racist photograph from his 1984 medical school yearbook surfaced on Feb. 1.
Former Richmond City Councilman Henry “Chuck” Richardson says Northam is a “good and decent man” who has stood with African-Americans in the past.
For example, Richardson cited Northam’s call to remove Confederate statues from Richmond’s Monument Avenue.
Bernice Travers is president of a group that works to empower African-American voters. She says she’s asked the governor to meet with leaders to talk about how to move forward.