Letters

Dear Editor

My intake and observations of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Conference Center Monthly Meeting on 20 January 2004 – was in contrast to what has been reported by our local news media.

The Rev. Floyd Rose President of the People’s Tribunal made his concerns clear “Of the more than thirty (30) employees only one full-time position is held by an African American at the center and all other Blacks compose the “clean-up,” crews.” None of them have health or retirement benefits---which is unacceptable---to all people of good will.”

Therefore, it appears that local media has focused on boycotts, and picketing instead of focusing on what appears to be unfair hiring practices.

The Rev. Rose main objective was 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.”

Attorney William Moore for the center stated that “they are following the law, and can not discriminate against anyone. Moreover, that they will continue hiring the best qualified, and experienced applicants.”

I reminded the Board that blacks were over qualified a few decades ago to use the restaurants, bathroom, motels, and other public facilities, but was denied---by those following the law.

However, people of good will stood-up on Christian principles, and changed America in the eyes of the world. Peace!

George R