Photo: Getty Images
President Joe Biden apologized on Wednesday (December 14) for the "unimaginable cruelty" of slavery, which he referred to as the nation's "original sin."
Speaking at a US-Africa leadership summit hosted in Washington D.C., Biden expressed regret for America's "original sin:" the enslavement of millions of people, per Daily Mail. He pledged to invest $55 billion into the continent, insisting that the "United States is all in on Africa's future."
"Our people lie at the heart of the deep and profound connection that forever binds Africa and the United States together," he said. "We remember the stolen men and women and children were brought to our shores in chains, subjected to unimaginable cruelty."
Almost all African leaders convened at the nation's capital for the first time since former President Barack Obama hosted a summit in 2014.
During this year's summit, Biden also met with African leaders facing elections in 2023, discussing democratic principles and economics.
"Africa's economic transition depends on good government, healthy populations, and reliable and affordable energy," Biden said. "These things business seeks out when they're looking to invest. They attract new opportunities, and they launch new partnerships."
"And the United States is committed to supporting every aspect of Africa's inclusive growth and creating the best possible environment for sustained commercial engagement between Africa companies and American companies," he added.
Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.