Transcript for Virginia’s first lady, Pam Northam, under fire
First, it was the governor under fire, tonight, the first lady of Virginia is now facing a backlash, accused of being racially intensive, giving out raw cotton and asking some black children to imagine being slaves. ABC’s Stephanie Ramos in Virginia. Reporter: Virginia’s first lady, Pam Northam, under fire tonight, after handing out raw cotton to a group of students, some of them black, during a tour of the governor’s mansion, telling them to imagine what it was like to be a slave. But the mother of one of those eighth grade students outraged, claiming in a scathing letter that black students were singled out, writing, “Why would anyone ask children to imagine something like that, let alone African-American children?” Mrs. Northam’s office denies singling anyone out. In a statement, the first lady says it was intended illustrate “A painful period of Virginia history.” This comes as her embattled husband, democratic governor Ralph Northam, tries to reconcile with the black community after admitting to wearing blackface at a dance contest. Mrs. Northam standing by her husband’s side, stepping in when it appeared he considered demonstrating the moonwalk. My wife says that’s inappropriate. Reporter: A spokesperson for first lady offered to convey her apology in person to the young girl and her mother, but she has not received a response. David? Stephanie, thank you.
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