The 136th General Assembly of Ohio has introduced a concurrent resolution to acknowledge, condemn, and apologize for the wrongful displacement of the Randolph Freedpeople, a group of 383 individuals who were freed from slavery in 1833 by Virginia slaveholder John Randolph's will. After a lengthy legal battle, they 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 rightful settlement and start anew in western Ohio. Despite their significant contributions to the state, the Randolph Freedpeople were denied justice and support from Ohio, which had enacted discriminatory "Black Laws" that perpetuated racial inequality.

The resolution emphasizes the need for Ohio to officially recognize and apologize for its role in the unlawful displacement of the Randolph Freedpeople, acknowledging the lasting impact of slavery and systemic racism on the descendants of these individuals. It calls for a reaffirmation of the state's commitment to equality and respect for all individuals, while honoring the resilience and contributions of the Randolph Freedpeople to Ohio and the nation. The resolution will be disseminated to the media to ensure public awareness of this historical injustice and the state's commitment to reconciliation.