As a consummate reader, I find myself always going back to the great leaders to find inspiration. It was my reading of words by the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other situations evolving around our nation that prompted this column.
“There comes a time when silence is betrayal.”
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
“In the end, we will remember not the words of the enemies, but the silence of our friends.”
“Only in the darkness can you see the stars.”
Since the voices which were so loud against the vile and offensive statements made by Harry Sanders on June 15, have gone silent, I decided to speak. I won’t waste time restating what was said, it has been etched not only in the souls and hearts of many, but in the history books, yet unprinted. The year 2020, will not only be remembered for the pandemic, but also for the historical movement for change throughout America, as it relates to overt racism. As we watched television and witnessed in real time George Floyd’s death and the protests that would follow, most people in Columbus were going about their daily chores, until Harry Sanders put us on the map for all the wrong reasons. Yes, Harry’s blatant display of racism toward African-Americans resonated throughout many places in America. If it was just about Harry Sanders, it would be fine. However, our community has been thrust into front and center on the issue of racism from a person of authority and influence.
The question is not what we think about Harry Sanders. He has already laid bare to the nation his true character. The question is: Are we powerless or do we lack the will power to continuously challenge the overt racism he heaped upon our community? Initially, everyone seemed offended or embarrassed by his remarks. The hue and cry for his resignation became the theme of the day. This newspaper, along with business leaders signed a letter condemning his action and requested him to do the honorable thing and resign. Telephone calls, texts and emails were received in the county from throughout America, appalled at the idea that someone would speak such vile and hateful words. The Black community was enraged and reacted with protests and visits to the courthouse, where voices could be heard shouting, “Harry must go” became routine. Even with diverse groups and individuals appearing at the board meeting to chastise Harry and asking him to resign, it fell on deaf ear. His message was clear to the community, I’m Harry Sanders and really don’t care what you think. I said it, I meant it and get over it. Wow! Is Harry Sanders more powerful than the entire community, and should we all fear him? If you found his remarks to be racist and detrimental to the community, what has happened to the voices?
Herein lies the rub: A real dose of racism has been dumped into our laps in Columbus, whether we wanted it or not. Many are still watching to see how our community deals with this issue. Yes, a defining moment for community. The voices that gave hope to those who were hurt and offended have become a mere whimper or completely silent. What is so disheartening to many African Americans and others in our community, is the effort by some to rewrite the narrative. Oh, it’s just a personality clash between Leroy and Harry, or it’s a clash between the Black community and Harry. Even worse are those who just hope it goes away. Guess what, racism never just goes away. Understandably, it forces all of us to evaluate our values, our way of life and what sacrifices must we make to fight it continuously. If you think fighting racism cost time and money, just let it linger and experience its destructive nature from generation to generation. As a native son of Mississippi, I’ve seen how racism can shackle the soul and break the spirit of men and women of good will.
If our community continues to sit idly and hope racism will go away, we’re heading for some difficult times. Racism and Harry Sanders will have its day of reckoning in Columbus. Maybe, it will be when the next major corporation ask the question, “Is Harry Sanders still on the board?” If there’s ever another base realignment proposal, perhaps the question will be, “How is race relations in your community?” When I was growing up, part of the culture was bad children were always sent to the back room when company came to visit. Unfortunately, Harry Sanders will not be in the back room, he will be the poster boy for our community.
Here’s something to think about. Are we going to be one community, with shared values, transcending racial, political economic and religious barriers, that rejoice in victory and agonize in defeat, or two communities separated by the same variables? Remember the words of President Abraham Lincoln, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”
Leroy Brooks represents District 5 on the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors. He can be reached at [email protected].
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