Letters

In response to Larry Leifert’s letter to the editor in the May issue of Norfolk Now, we regret that the letter was entitled “Confused.” We believe everyone’s experiences should be heard and respected, whether we agree with all of them or not. Norfolk Now wanted to publish a story on what it was like for a Black child growing up in Norfolk in the 1960s, and asked Rev. Dr. Shelley Best. Nobody else but Rev. Dr. Best can answer questions about her childhood experiences in Norfolk.

 Just last year a racial slur was spray painted on the children’s train outside the library.  In 2009, the Norfolk Historical Society mounted an exhibition on Norfolk’s Black History, which included evidence of racism in Norfolk in the early 20th century. Also in the early 20th century, the name of John H. Bailey, a Black World War I veteran, was left off Norfolk’s World War I memorial, which was dedicated shortly after the war. We are grateful that his name will be added this year.

 Dr. Best’s story gives us the opportunity to reflect on whether there was racism in Norfolk in the 1960s that we might not have known about otherwise. As our community and nation continue to grapple with this complex issue, we welcome everyone’s story.

The Missions and Social Justice Team of the Church of Christ Congregational