  N.C. Senate votes to express "profound regret" for slavery
RALEIGH (AP) -- The North Carolina Senate is offering an apology
for the Legislature's role in promoting slavery and Jim Crow
laws that denied basic human rights to the state's black
citizens.  Today's move follows the leads of Maryland and
Virginia, which passed similar measures earlier this year.
North Carolina's resolution acknowledges the legislature's
"profound contrition for the official acts that sanctioned and
perpetuated the denial of basic human rights and dignity to
fellow humans."  State Senator Tony Rand says the measure is a
way to reflect upon this and express its understanding and
regret for official actions of the state. Rand was the bill's
primary sponsor.  A similar resolution is pending in the state
House, which adjourned for the Easter holiday weekend without
taking any action.  Black members of the Senate say they're
pleased to see the resolution pass, but added a call for
improvements to the state's education system and imp