Letters

George B. Rhynes (229-251-8645) 25 January 2004
5004 Oak Drive
Valdosta, Georgia 31605


“GUEST COLUMN,” WHERE APPLICABLE, THIS IS A REAL WORLD PROBLEM IN THIS
SOUTH GEORGIA TOWN.

The New South may not be so new after all! Here in Valdosta, Georgia
approximately 240 miles south of Atlanta, Rev. Floyd Rose, President of
the People’s Tribunal a local Civil Rights organization addressed the
Valdosta-Lowndes County Conference Center and Tourism Authority on
behalf of concerned citizens on 20 Jan 2004:

“Of the more than thirty (30) employees only one full time positions is
held by an African American all other blacks compose the “Clean-up,”
crew. None of them have health or retirement benefits---this is
unacceptable to all people of good will,”

The attorney for the authority stated that, “they are following the
law, and cannot discriminate against anyone. Moreover, that they will
continue hiring the best qualified, and experienced applicants.”

Rev. Rose’s main objective seemed to be one of diversity, and fairness.
“We are not asking you to terminate or remove Whites who are currently
employed to make room for Blacks. However, we are suggesting that as
vacancies appear they be filled with qualified blacks until such time
they reflect the racial make-up of your clientele.”

The Center reemphasized its position that they were following the law
and could not discriminate against anyone.

Rev. Rose said, “Our concerns are both morale and legitimate. We are
prepared to (1), conduct public demonstrations (informational
picketing), (2) pursue legal actions, and (3), lead a boycott, until African
American are equally respected at every level of your employ.”

As an applicant I reminded the board that Blacks were well qualified a
few decades ago, to use the restaurants, bathrooms, motels, and other
public facilities but was denied---by those following the law.

However, people of good will stood up on Christian, Jewish, and Islamic
principles and changed America’s laws for the better---in the eyes of
the world.

However in South Georgia, the question remains---has the Old South
really changed? Peace!


George Rhynes
A concerned citizen, community organizer, Minister, Retired U.S Air
Force Veteran, Single Parent, Business Owner for 14 years, Author of
several writings, and believes totally in free speech, and freedom of the
press!