Blackface Governor Ralph Northam Gets Schooled By Gayle King About Slavery

During an interview with Gayle King, Northam, who said he’s not resigning his governorship, tried to give his version of racism and American history.

“Well it has been a difficult week,” he said. “And you know if you look at Virginia's history we are now at the 400 year anniversary, just 90 miles from here in 1619. The first indentured servants from Africa landed on our shores in Old Point Comfort what we call now Fort Monroe and while-”

“Also known as slavery,” King interrupted.

“Yes,” Northam continued. “And while we have made a lot of progress in Virginia, slavery has ended. Schools have been desegregated. We have ended the Jim Crow laws, easier access to voting. It is abundantly clear that we still have a lot of work to do and I really think this week raised a level of awareness in the Commonwealth.”

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam: "We are now at the 400-year anniversary — just 90 miles from here in 1619. The first indentured servants from Africa landed on our shores in Old Point Comfort, what we call now Fort Monroe, and while—"@GayleKing: "Also known as slavery" pic.twitter.com/AiX96MU1rJ

— CBS This Morning (@CBSThisMorning) February 10, 2019

Last week, a photo of Northam allegedly either in blackface or in a KKK robe from a yearbook surfaced online. Since, Northam has admitted to dressing in blackface for a Michael Jackson costume but denied he was in the picture.

As for all of the Democrats calling for him to resign, Ralph Northam acknowledged the pressure he’s facing. “You know, I don't live in a vacuum. And so yes, I have heard it,” he said. “I have thought about resigning, but I've also thought about what Virginia needs right now. And I really think that I'm in a position where I can take Virginia to the next level.

“Virginia also needs someone who is strong, who has empathy, who has courage and who has a moral compass. And that's why I'm not going anywhere,” Northam added.