A Virginia mayor has apologized for saying Joe Biden “simply introduced Aunt Jemima” as his operating mate, saying he now understands his phrases have been hurtful and inappropriate.
Luray Mayor Barry Presgraves, 77, mentioned he was sorry at a city council assembly on Monday for the Aug. 2 Fb submit that was later eliminated — however not earlier than a council member, city officers and residents locally known as for the three-term mayor to step down.
“I perceive what I posted on social media was improper, offensive and unbecoming,” Presgraves mentioned throughout the assembly, WTOP experiences. “I additionally need to make a direct apology to all folks of coloration and ladies. Passing of demeaning and worn-out racial stereotypes as humor isn’t humorous.”
Presgraves, who will not be in search of re-election, continued: “I now totally perceive how hurtful it’s.”
Biden introduced Tuesday that he chosen California Sen. Kamala Harris as his operating mate after pledging to pick a lady for his ticket. A number of different black girls have been additionally reportedly on his shortlist, together with Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Florida Rep. Val Demings, California Rep. Karen Bass and Susan Rice, who served as President Barack Obama’s nationwide safety adviser.
Presgraves, who rebuffed earlier calls to step down, promised Monday that he “can and can do higher” on the city assembly, throughout which a minimum of one resident within the city of 4,800 — 90 p.c of whom are white — defended the mayor’s remark whereas claiming calls for his resignation have been politically motivated, WTOP experiences.
“From the underside of my coronary heart, I’m sorry and humbly ask for your forgiveness and your grace,” Presgraves mentioned.
However the mea culpa didn’t cease the Luray City Council from voting to censure Presgraves for the “dangerous phrases” he shared on social media.
“Your apology is a step in direction of reconciliation with our residents, nonetheless, harm each inside and exterior to our group nonetheless stays,” the censure reads.
Council member Leah Pence, who beforehand known as for Presgraves to resign, was the only real vote in opposition to the measure, saying it was “not sturdy sufficient,” WTOP experiences.
“I consider that the council ought to have beneficial that he resign,” Pence instructed the station Tuesday.
In 2019, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam refused to step down after a photograph confirmed an individual in blackface and one other sporting a Ku Klux Klan outfit appeared on Northam’s 1984 medical faculty yearbook web page.
Northam, a Democrat, initially apologized for the photograph earlier than denying he was both particular person. He did admit, nonetheless, darkening his face to seem like Michael Jackson for a dance contest in 1984.
An unbiased probe later “couldn’t conclusively decide” that the governor wore blackface, in response to experiences.
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