Commentary

COMMENTARY: Governor Northam Starts Black History Month with Photo of Blackface

NNPA NEWSWIRE — “The governor can apologize, but the damage was done decades ago, and everyday he is a reminder of bigotry, racism and White Supremacy. He has created a crisis in the Democratic Party in Virginia and the country, and it cannot be resolved without his resignation.” — Roger Caldwell

Published

7 years ago

February 12, 2019

Oakland Post

By Roger Caldwell, NNPA Newswire Contributor

When the Republicans are calling for a Democratic governor to step down from his office because of a racist photo, something must be horrific and shocking. Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, during Black History month (February 2nd, 2019), acknowledged that a photo in his 1984 Eastern Virginia Medical College yearbook was him dressed in a KKK robe and hood or blackface.

Most Americans of any race or culture would consider this offensive, and someone must be held accountable for this breach of trust. Many would expect anyone connected in any way to this despicable display of sickness would automatically resign from office. But in the state of Virginia, they must operate on a different set of principles.

On Friday Senator Tim Kaine made a statement that read, “The racist photo from Governor Northam’s 1984 yearbook is horrible. This causes pain in a state and a country where centuries of racism have already left an open wound. I hope the Governor – whose career as an Army officer, pediatrician and public official has always manifested a commitment to justice and equality for all – now takes the time to listen to those he has hurt and reflect on how to move forward.”

Even though Senator Kaine acknowledged that this act was despicable and horrible, he did not ask the governor to resign. He and his fellow senator of the state of Virginia, Senator Mark Warner, released statements that called for the governor to listen to the people, and consider the communities he hurt.

It is obvious that the community that this picture impacted the most was the Black community, and the Black community leadership was very vocal, and they expect the governor to resign. This is not a situation that the Black press will allow to be swept under the rug, and there is no excuse that can be made to justify this behavior from the governor.

The subject of racism is very difficult to discuss in 2019, and it appears that our president has gotten away with many derogatory racist statements.

When President Trump continues to get away with calling Mexicans and Latinos people with problems, drug dealers, criminals, or rapists, he creates division in the country. By continuing to demonize a race and people of color in America, these ridiculous statements from the White House get Trump supporters to believe these lies.

When racism is uncovered or exposed by anyone a change must take place.

The NAACP’s president and CEO, Derrick Johnson, immediately called for Governor Northam to resign on the day the event was exposed. The list [calling for the Governor’s resignation] continues to grow in the state and the [state’s] two senators have joined the Virginia Congressional Delegation, led by Rep. Bobby Scott, who believes the governor cannot effectively serve in his position with this cloud hanging over his record.

On the next day, which was Saturday, Governor Northam changed his statement and denied being in the medical school yearbook photo but admitted to wearing Blackface while dressing up like Michael Jackson at a dance contest. At the time of the writing of the article, the governor has vowed to remain in office despite widespread calls for his resignation.

As the list calling for the governor’s resignation continues to grow, it makes no sense for him to continue to fight for his political career. The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, Eric Holder, Tom Perez, Hillary Clinton, Rev. Jessie Jackson, Joe Biden, every Democratic presidential candidate running for office, U.S. Rep. Karen Bass, (Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus), and singer John Legend, have all called for his resignation.

The governor can apologize, but the damage was done decades ago, and everyday he is a reminder of bigotry, racism and White Supremacy. He has created a crisis in the Democratic Party in Virginia and the country, and it cannot be resolved without his resignation.

Pass the baton to the Lt. Governor, Justin Fairfax, a Black man, and the Virginia Democratic Party can move forward with no regrets, and a breath of fresh air.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

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Oakland Post: Week of December 10 – 16, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of – December 10 – 16, 2025

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10 hours ago

December 13, 2025

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Seth Curry Makes Impressive Debut with the Golden State Warriors

Seth looked comfortable in his new uniform, seamlessly fitting into the Warriors’ offensive and defensive system. He finished the night with an impressive 14 points, becoming one of the team’s top scorers for the game. Seth’s points came in a variety of ways – floaters, spot-up three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and a handful of aggressive drives that kept the Oklahoma City Thunder defense on its heels.

Published

1 week ago

December 4, 2025

Oakland Post

Seth Curry is a point guard on the GSW team.Photo courtesy of the Golden State Warriors.

By Y’Anad Burrell

Tuesday night was anything but ordinary for fans in San Francisco as Seth Curry made his highly anticipated debut as a new member of the Golden State Warriors. Seth didn’t disappoint, delivering a performance that not only showcased his scoring ability but also demonstrated his added value to the team.

At 35, the 12-year NBA veteran on Monday signed a contract to play with the Warriors for the rest of the season.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came before Seth even scored his first points. As he checked into the game, the Chase Center erupted into applause, with fans rising to their feet to give the newest Warrior a standing ovation.

The crowd’s reaction was a testament not only to Seth’s reputation as a sharpshooter but also to the excitement he brings to the Warriors. It was clear that fans quickly embraced Seth as one of their own, eager to see what he could bring to the team’s championship aspirations.

Warriors’ superstar Steph Curry – Seth’s brother – did not play due to an injury. One could only imagine what it would be like if the Curry brothers were on the court together. Magic in the making.

Seth’s debut proved to be a turning point for the Warriors. Not only did he contribute on the scoreboard, but he also brought a sense of confidence and composure to the floor.

While their loss last night, OKC 124 – GSW 112, Seth’s impact was a game-changer and there’s more yet to come. Beyond statistics, it was clear that Seth’s presence elevated the team’s performance, giving the Warriors a new force as they look to make a deep playoff run.