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Norfolk delegate gives passionate speech on race

Democrat Jay Jones largely has been silent since Virginia became the center of a scandal about race. What he finally said ended with a standing ovation.

RICHMOND, Va. — Norfolk Delegate Jay Jones (D-Va.) said he only was speaking for himself when he took to the House floor Thursday and opened up about racism in Virginia.

At 29 years old, Jones is the youngest African American in the Virginia legislature and the son of former Norfolk Delegate Jerrauld Jones who is currently a Norfolk Circuit Court Judge.

The lawmaker said he chose to speak out because of what he says were the surprise reactions he read in the media from people as the recent blackface scandal involving state leaders erupted.

Governor Ralph Northam denied that he is the one pictured on his medical school yearbook page in blackface or in a KKK uniform. He did, however, admit to wearing blackface in the 80's to dress up like Michael Jackson. Attorney General Mark Herring also admitted to wearing blackface in the 80's to dress up as a rapper. Both men are Democrats and have resisted calls to resign.

RELATED: Virginia NAACP renews call for Northam to resign

"For many of us in this chamber, and millions of people across this country, the events that have gripped Virginia aren’t an aberration, an abstraction, or an anachronism. They aren’t a unit in a history textbook," Jones told fellow House members in a passionate floor speech. "As the grandson and son of men and women who spent the entirety of their lives attempting to push back against the horrors of racism in Virginia, I have long been acquainted with the pain and suffering of people of color in this state. "

Laced into Jones' 12-minute speech were several references to the racism he and his family have endured. He recalled a childhood memory while playing with children of legislators at a General Assembly retreat when a kid was told by the significant other of a lawmaker not to play with him because he's black.

"Although as a young boy, I may not have gotten it then, but I certainly get it now, and it still stays with me," said Jones.

The delegate was careful to point out that his story is not unique. 

"While our experiences have varied, I guarantee you that generations of black Virginians can tell you story after story that merges into a common theme," Jones stated.

The delegate ended his speech with a hope that Virginia can move forward and "heal and reconcile."   

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