The controversy keeps piling on for Virginia’s Democratic leaders. Two state officials now admit to having worn blackface in their lives. At the state capitol, people are protesting, national media is swarming, and lawmakers are trying to go about their work amidst the chaos.
South of the river, less than two miles from capital square, is Croaker’s Spot. Where I got a reallygoodfried fish sandwich and some honest thoughts from chef Ari Coleman.
Coleman shakes his head in disbelief as I catch him up to speed. He knew about the racist photo found on Governor Ralph Northam’s medical school yearbook page and how Northam wore blackface during a Michael Jackson dance contest.
But Coleman hadn’t yet heard the most recent news. That another white Democratic statewide official also admitted to wearing blackface.
“That’s not acceptable. I can’t even…” Coleman shakes his head in disbelief. “And then from the Governor, and now the Attorney General as well?! It’s ridiculous.”
Attorney General Mark Herring said in a statement Wednesday that when he was 19 he dressed up as a rapper for a college party. He wore a wig and dark makeup. It was 1980.
Coleman went to college here in Richmond in the 1980’s. When I ask him if he ever saw black face at a party he says no.
“In the 80’s we supposed to have been over all of that. Apparently not,” he says.
But Franklin Williams, the manager here, kind of shrugs. He’s lived in Virginia his whole life. When he hears us talking about Northam he says he’s obviously not happy about the whole thing, but he’s also not really surprised either.
“Racism hasn’t gone anywhere it just gets a new face every year, it’s how I feel,” Williams says. “They find a new way, as quick as they can. They hide because it’s so taboo.”
Williams voted for the Governor and says he feels slighted, and angry.
“I mean, what’s the point? Was it a joke, was it fun? How do I know that your mentality has changed?” he questions.
Northam and Herring have both apologized, saying they understand now how offensive their actions were. But neither have offered their resignations.
And that’s okay to Chanta Massenburg. She thinks people should be given second chances, especially if they’re remorseful.
She points to the apostle Paul, who was first a murderer before he became the man who spread God’s word.
“Sometimes some of the greatest accomplishments have come from people who have had shady histories or, you know, bad histories,” Massenburg says. “And I for one don’t feel its my place to judge or hang it over someone’s head if they’re willing to change.”
Massenburg adds that the philosophy even applies to politicians. And if they’ve learned a lesson, they both still might have good they can do in office.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.
