Contact: Ermias Alemayehu, BOND, 323-782-1980, 213-804-1872

LOS ANGELES, June 6 /Christian Newswire/ -- The 30th anniversary celebration of Alex Haley's book and mini-series "Roots" and its celebration may have given Gov. Bob Riley the excuse to sign a resolution last week expressing "profound regret" for Alabama's role in slavery. Alabama is the fourth state to pass such a resolution. Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina have passed similar bills. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., has introduced a measure in the U.S. House of Representatives to formally apologize for slavery, Jim Crow segregation and the continuing legacy of discrimination against Black people. Cohen has collected 90 co-sponsors for his resolution. Conservative radio talk show host and author Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson is critical of the measure, calling it a step toward reparations.

Rev. Peterson said: "A slavery apology is pure political pandering. It also opens the door for radical Blacks to come in and demand reparations for slavery. An apology will not solve the anger, nor address the lack of moral character which permeates most of Black culture today."

Many in the civil rights establishment support a national apology for slavery.  In a recent interview former NAACP executive director Benjamin Hooks applauded the initiative. "Anything we can do as a nation to heal the wounds that were inflicted, why, that's good," he said.

Rev. Peterson added: "America has done more than any other nation to atone for slavery and past discrimination. All the slaves are dead as well the slave masters-so get over it and move on!"

Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson is a radio talk show host, author, and sought after speaker. He's also an expert media commentator on issues related to race, gender, and family issues. For more information visit www.bondinfo.org