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Blackface

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The "legacy of oppression" behind blackface

Caution: Some of the images in this video are disturbing. Blackface has a long, painful, and racist history in the U.S. It became popular in the mid-1800's mistrel shows when white performers darkened their faces to depict African Americans in prejudicial and offensive ways. For decades, civil rights organizations have said blackface dehumanizes blacks and reinforces racial stereotypes. Dwandalyn Reece, curator of music and performing arts at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss why understanding the history of blackface is crucial.

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Va. reeling amid scandals for top 3 officials

The top three officials in Virginia's government are now all caught in separate scandals. State Attorney General Mark Herring admitted Wednesday he wore blackface to a college costume party in 1980. A few days ago, Herring called for Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam to resign over a yearbook photo showing a man in blackface. There is also an allegation of sexual misconduct against Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, which he denies. Ed O’Keefe reports.

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Virginia's lieutenant governor denies sex assault allegation

At the Virginia state Capitol on Monday, Democratic Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax of Virginia strongly denied an uncorroborated sexual assault allegation first published by a conservative website, calling the accusation a "smear" and "character assassination." His remarks Monday afternoon come as many Democrats are calling for Gov. Ralph Northam to resign over the revelation of racist yearbook photos from his time in medical school, which would elevate Fairfax to the governorship.

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