Topeka ? Gov. Sam Brownback on Thursday signed a proclamation that apologized to African-Americans for the history and injustice of segregation in Kansas.

Gov. Brownback signs proclamation apologizing for segregation.

The proclamation noted Kansas’ history as an anti-slavery state but one that became an oppressive society with segregation and “Jim Crow” laws.

Brownback signed the proclamation during a ceremony on the 58th anniversary of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka case, which declared that segregation in schools was unconstitutional.

In the proclamation, Brownback acknowledges on behalf of the state the wrongs made to African-Americans who were subjected to the dehumanizing nature of segregation and injustice.

Deborah Dandridge chairwoman of the Kansas African-American Affairs Commission, said the proclamation “is laying the foundation for a better community. It takes the moral high ground.”

She said the apology can be used to advance discussions on improving the living conditions of all people.

The proclamation follows earlier initiatives by Brownback who has offered apologies to Native Americans.