Earlier this week, Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring admitted to wearing blackface as an undergraduate faculty scholar within the 1980s. In a statement, he wrote, “In 1980, once I was a 19-year-old undergraduate in faculty, some associates recommended we attend a celebration dressed like rappers we listened to on the time, like Kurtis Blow, and carry out a track.” Herring continued, “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 perspective of others—we dressed up and put on wigs and brown makeup.”
Kurtis Blow has now responded to Herring, as Stereogum factors out. Appearing on “TMZ Live,” Kurtis Blow mentioned, “It’s shocking. I was shocked, totally shocked. You know, being the elder spokesman, a father, a minister, a husband, I find it totally offensive and disrespectful, degrading. It’s ugly. You know, I’m praying for my man Mr. Herring right now.” In addition, Kurtis Blow informed The Washington Times, “When you paint your face, that is the most egregious and disrespectful thing you can do considering what we’ve been through. It’s opening up some deep, historical scars.”
Virginia’s Democratic management has discovered itself ensconced in scandal these days. Prior to Herring’s assertion, Governor Ralph Northam apologized after a 1984 {photograph} of him in a “clearly racist and offensive” costume surfaced. Gov. Northam has since retracted his apology, claiming, “It was definitely not me,” in {a photograph} that confirmed one particular person in Ku Klux Klan robes and one other in blackface. Further, Virginia’s lieutenant governor Justin E. Fairfax has been accused of sexual assault.
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