Troy, Alabama, we have a problem. As a matter of fact, we have quite a few problems. Thankfully we have a lot of hard working and well-meaning people who are working to turn those problems into opportunities. And if you look at the results those people are making steady progress to improve all aspects of life in Troy and Pike County.

Unfortunately, we have a few members of our community, and at least one prominent member of our leadership, who thinks some of our problems can be solved by labeling other members of our community and leadership as racist. And, I would be the first to admit there was a time when our community was led by Jim Crow Democrats and Dixiecrats. I went to elementary and high school in Pike County and Troy when they were segregated. We, as a community, black and white, have made a lot of progress since then and that progress was not made by using racial epithets to refer to our fellow citizens. I would also be the first to admit that we have more progress to make.

But I think we are more likely to make that progress if we go forward with the words of Martin Luther King in our hearts. He spoke of a “creative, redemptive good will for all men” as the best way to create an environment for progress between the races. It may be that some in our community will “refuse to let racism go” but they are easy enough to identify. If they can’t find enough good will in their hearts to put the community first then the community will have to find a way to move ahead without them.

David Price

Troy

 

Reader: ‘Choose to be a messenger of peace’

Troy City School teachers, faculty, and staff, I salute you!

Yes, you have been the victims of racism and I am sorry. Mrs. Dejerilyn Henderson broke my heart when I read her article. Obviously some people are always going to try to make trouble and hurt feelings instead of teaching love.

TES if God is for you, who can be against you?

I am the mother of three loving children that are the products of our school system. I am thankful for all of you that have loved my children and have raised them with me. I do not see you as a color. I see you as my friends, as my family.

I walk your halls and witness your love for our children day after day. I do not get paid to be there. I volunteer myself to serve Troy City children. I have seen you shield these children with your bodies from the rain. I have seen you hand them $20 bills for souveneirs, when I told my own children, ”no.” I have seen you wipe their tears, share their joys and teach them love.

Mrs. Henderson, please do not raise your granddaughter with the same strife and turmoil that lives inside of you. You are a leader of our community, look inside people’s eyes and see their hearts. Choose to be a messenger of peace.

If your goal is truly to help rid our society of negative racist attitudes than you need to begin by cleaning your own house.

Kim Morgan

Troy City School Proud

 

Much more to fear

than what articles say

The Messenger editorial titled “Loss of privacy should frighten Americans” and the great column titled “They’re creepy and they’re kooky” provide several examples of government actions that should frighten us. Neither article provides the reader with any information concerning what the government should be doing instead of what it is doing and the reasons for all of it. Such omissions is something else Americans may consider to be worthy of frightening them.

Edward Kantor

Troy