It always makes me happy when states apologize for the institution of slavery and the mistreatment that accompanies it. I get especially inspired when faraway places, like Peru, apologizes for centuries of African-centered abuse. If you haven’t guessed by now the Peruvian government decided to apologize for the horrors endured by its Afro-Peruvian population. Several years ago I was a wide-eyed student of the world. I also thought Latin America was a racism-free zone. I know, I was a youngin and believed countries of color loved people of color. However, during a month-long trip to Venezuela I learned very quickly that the so-called Black Venezuleans were sequestered in “ghettos”, profiled by the police, and the headline story in Caracas primetime news. I just hope Peru’s apology sends a message to all of Latin America. And, just maybe, there will be less bleached-skinned Sammy Sosas in the world.
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Keith Josef Adkins is an award-winning playwright, screenwriter and social commentator.
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