In February, a photo from Democrat Governor Ralph Northam's Eastern Virginia Medical School yearbook page was revealed. In it there are two men, one dressed in black face and the other in KKK garb. The photo had to be approved by an editor and the student, in this case Northam, before publication.
BREAKING: Gov. Ralph Northam yearbook page shows blackface and Klan photohttps://t.co/6A89ejp5Ho
— The Virginian-Pilot (@virginianpilot) February 1, 2019
Northam initially admitted to being in the photo, but was careful not to say what he was wearing. He issued an apology.
“Earlier today, a website published a photograph of me from my 1984 medical school yearbook in a costume that is clearly racist and offensive. I am deeply sorry for the decision I made to appear as I did in this photo and for the hurt that decision caused then and now," he said. “This behavior is not in keeping with who I am today and the values I have fought for throughout my career in the military, in medicine, and in public service. But I want to be clear, I understand how this decision shakes Virginians’ faith in that commitment. I recognize that it will take time and serious effort to heal the damage this conduct has caused. I am ready to do that important work. The first step is to offer my sincerest apology and to state my absolute commitment to living up to the expectations Virginians set for me when they elected me to be their Governor.”
Then the next day, he backtracked and said he wasn't in the photo at all. He held a disastrous press conference, claimed that while he wasn't in the photo he did do blackface at one point and nearly moon walked.
Gov. Northam: "That same year, I did participate in a dance contest ... in which I darkened my face as part of a Michael Jackson costume." pic.twitter.com/3RRhaWLJRY
— NBC News (@NBCNews) February 2, 2019
Now, we may find out more about the details of the photo. From local WJLA-7:
A law firm has completed its investigation into how a racist photo appeared on a yearbook page for Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam.
Eastern Virginia Medical School said in a statement Tuesday that the findings will be announced at a press conference on Wednesday.
The independent investigation was conducted by the law firm McGuireWoods on behalf of the medical school in Norfolk.
Considering this story has been completely buried, it's about time.
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