SCTimes

St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis apologized Monday for the city’s past of racial discrimination at an event honoring the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

The event promoted education and highlighted how far the community has come. Kleis said the city celebrates past accomplishments and must also take responsibility and apologize for past failures.

Hundreds attended the event at St. Cloud State University to discuss how the community needs to work together to ensure equality for all residents. Speakers also addressed improvements in St. Cloud and said the derisive term “White Cloud” no longer applies.

On the Opinion page in the Sunday St. Cloud Times, St. Cloud State University professor and author Christopher Lehman, who has done research on slavery in St. Cloud, called on the city to officially apologize for permitting slavery and segregation.

After Monday’s event, Lehman said he heard the apology and appreciates that Kleis made it. Lehman said it was a “bold and progressive gesture” and an important step in the city coming to terms with its history.