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OBSERVATIONS
July 2, 2020 |
 |
 Wingate Lassiter |
"100 Men In Suits" ended their
march on not-so-sacred ground
I hadn't expected Saturday's march against racism by "100 Men In Suits" to end at the site of Smithfield's infamous Ku Klux Klan sign. But that's where Marlon Lee chose to conclude the event as the men bowed their heads, with elbows touching, in prayer (pictured above).
He had asked the men to line up facing the highway with their backs to the spot where the billboard stood half a century ago. "We're putting that behind us," he said.
I hope he's right.
Smithfield never deserved that sign any more than other communities in the South. But its placement here became legendary as an icon of racism not seen at the entrances to most other cities and towns.
More lasting than any sign or statue is what's in our hearts, Mr. Lee reminded us. And therein lies no place for racism and hatred toward any of God's children.
Here are more pictures from Saturday's march...
Town Councilman Marlin Lee and a
group of dressed-up young men
lead the march from its starting point on Front Street.
lead the march from its starting point on Front Street.
The marchers "take a knee" in front of the Courthouse as they remember
recent police atrocities that cost the lives of African-Americans.
The march continued down Market Street through the heart of town.
In front of Town Hall the gathering heard from several officials, including Town Manager Mike Scott and Mayor Andy Moore (pictured below with Councilman Lee).
Councilman
Lee and the others kneel in front of the police
station.
Tommy Ashley, one of Mr. Lee's
friends since their boyhood days,
talks about the legacy of the Klan sign, which put Smithfield "on the map"
as an embarrassment that has been hard to live down over the years.
talks about the legacy of the Klan sign, which put Smithfield "on the map"
as an embarrassment that has been hard to live down over the years.
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