Urban League to Richards: More

After presumably watching Michael Richards' halting, disjointed and not terribly convincing mea culpa on David Letterman last night, Blair H. Taylor — president and CEO of the Los Angeles Urban League — has just issued this statement:

I am deeply disturbed by the outrageous video footage of Michael Richards released yesterday. It clearly reveals a disturbed, angry and very troubled man. While I am certainly glad he finally apologized, I do not think an apology alone will suffice in this case. I call on Mr. Richards to immediately reach out to the Black community that he has berated and insulted and vigorously pursue a healing that transcends mere words. The healing process must be facilitated by deeds of volunteerism and service to the African American community, which may be the only real way to solidify the forgiveness that Mr. Richards now claims to seek.

Importantly, this incident offers the more even-tempered people of this great city and nation another unique opportunity to address the serious racial issues that still exist. We must fully and soberly recognize that the racial divides still run very deep and we must all recommit ourselves to their resolution.

Here's the Letterman appearance.