VA A.G. Mark Herring making the bold choice to appear in public without shoe polish on his face. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
The Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Mark Herring, admitted today that there is a photo that shows him in blackface.
Herring, who received his law degree from the University of Richmond, says he dressed up in blackface while in college. From NBC:
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“In 1980, when I was a 19-year-old undergraduate in college, some friends suggested we attend a party dressed like rappers we listened to at the time, like Kurtis Blow, and perform a song,” AG Mark Herring said in a statement. “It sounds ridiculous even now writing it. But because of our ignorance and glib attitudes — and because we did not have an appreciation for the experiences and perspectives of others — we dressed up and put on wigs and brown makeup.”
Herring says it was a “onetime occurrence” and he accepts “full responsibility” for his actions.
When assessing the rehabilitation of a white person who wore blackface, it’s important to apply a three-pronged test for… you know what, I can’t do this. Sorry. I won’t. You can’t make me.
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Don’t wear blackface. If you did, then don’t run for office. If you are elected on only then realize you wore blackface, resign. If you don’t, go f** yourself.
Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring, second in line to be governor, admits he wore blackface [NBC]
Elie Mystal is the Executive Editor of Above the Law and the Legal Editor for More Perfect. He can be reached @ElieNYC on Twitter, or at [email protected]. He will resist.