The 136th General Assembly of Ohio has introduced a concurrent resolution acknowledging, condemning, and apologizing for the wrongful displacement of the Randolph Freedpeople, a group of 383 individuals who were freed from slavery by the will of Virginia slaveholder John Randolph in 1833. After a lengthy legal battle, the Freedpeople began their journey to Ohio in 1846, where they intended to settle on land purchased for them. However, upon their arrival, they faced violent resistance from local community leaders and an armed mob, which forced them to abandon their land and seek refuge elsewhere in western Ohio. Despite their significant contributions to the state, the Freedpeople were never supported by the state of Ohio, which upheld discriminatory laws that perpetuated racial injustice.

The resolution serves as an official acknowledgment of the injustices faced by the Randolph Freedpeople and the state's failure to protect their rights. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing historical wrongs as a step toward racial reconciliation and affirms Ohio's commitment to treating all individuals with respect and fairness. The resolution also honors the resilience of the Randolph Freedpeople in overcoming adversity and highlights their lasting impact on Ohio's cultural, social, political, and economic landscape. Copies of the resolution will be transmitted to the news media to ensure public awareness of this acknowledgment and apology.