I had never heard of Silver Persinger until just a few months ago when a colleague who lives in Richmond told me about him. Silver Persinger has run for City Council, Mayor and Lieutenant Governor and more. Now he's in the news again.
I had never heard of Silver Persinger until just a few months ago when a colleague who lives in Richmond told me about him. Silver Persinger has run for City Council, Mayor and Lieutenant Governor and more. Now he's in the news again.
A man known as a persistent gadfly of the Richmond City Council left members in tears and silence with a personal apology for his ancestors' role in slavery.
Persinger fights for accountability and against waste. Sometimes he simply bothers to take that extra step. For an example of this, see his article Republican Party of Virginia hires bigoted Goons. He fights for more controversial issues such as the legalization of marijuana.
Back to the present...
Silver Persinger, a 35-year-old self-described socialist, spoke last night after the introduction of a resolution in support of the unveiling of the Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue on March 30th.
Watchdog or gadfly, all too often Silver Persinger pisses people off, especially City Council, but not this time.
Persinger told the council that his ancestors owned 301 slaves. He said ... quote ... "I would like to apologize on behalf of my family. I would like to apologize for the sins of my fathers."
His words prompted tears from Council Vice President Delores McQuinn, who had introduced the resolution. She accepted his apology.
The apology came as a surprise because of Persinger's usual rapport with the council, persistently voicing concerns about incomplete committee reports and legislation that doesn't adequately inform or involve the public.
In 70 seconds, Silver Persinger did what the Virginia General Assembly failed to do in six weeks voice a full-throated apology for slavery.
Doesn't seem all that hard and if I found myself in a similar situation with absolute proof my family had owned slaves, I hope I would have the courage to do the same.
I don't think there were many slaves in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, but I guess anything is possible.....and I will check out the Kentucky hills side as well.