Legacy of Racism

This is unbelievable.....

Updated. Here is a picture of the Valdosta charter as of 2-26-04 Link


George Rhynes (229-251-8645) 23 February 2004
5004 Oak Drive
Valdosta, Georgia 31605-1144

Dear Valdosta, City Mayor & Council

SUBJECT: Displaying the Valdosta City Charter of 1860, near the Hall
of Justice in Valdosta Georgia!

As the Georgia State Flag issue will be revisited, voted upon, and
hopefully---resolved in the upcoming election.

The Citizens of Valdosta, and Lowndes County Georgia, should be focused
on the second floor of Valdosta City Hall---leading into the Valdosta
Municipal Courtroom of Judge Edwards. Where one will discover a copy of
a framed, Valdosta City Charter of 1860, displayed on the wall that was
passed by the Georgia General Assembly of 1860, Valdosta (No. 108).

100: Section XI, “the Mayor and Council, they shall pass all proper and
necessary laws and ordinances for the control of slaves and free
persons of color in said town and suppress and abate all nuisances arriving
from hogs, dogs, horses, or other stock straying at large in said town,
or from other causes.”

It is mind boggling as to why our elected officials have allowed this
1860, Charter to be displayed so close to the Valdosta Municipal Court
Room—in the first place. Where American citizens must come in hope of
receiving equal justice under the law in the State of Georgia---in the
21st Century.

This document does little to complement GeorgiaÂ’s Justice System---here
in Lowndes County. Especially for citizens whose ancestors were slaves
and veterans today---who served and paid the ultimate price to keep
America a free and democratic society.

While we cannot, nor should we try to hide the facts of history. It is
of utmost importance that we remove even a stake from deceased
remains---if within our heart of compassion to do so.

Therefore, as a moral and ethical gesture, the new Valdosta, City
Charter should be on display, or the 1860 charter be removed and placed in a
location away from the Hall of Justice in Valdosta---to the City
Museum. The symbolism and insensitivity of displaying this 1860, City
Charter is inappropriate at this period in Georgia, and American history.

As a retired United States Air Force Vietnam era veteran, I cannot
understand why this document is displaced near the Valdosta Municipal
Courtroom. Because too many Georgians suffered, bleed, and died to preserve
the right to be respected as human beings and not as live stock, or
second class citizens.

Therefore, it is my hope, and others prayer---that someone will do the
right thing in the 21st Century. That the healing process may begin by
being sensitive to others---for the overall good of our community,
state, nation, and world. Peace!

This letter is addressed to you in an attempt to resolve this situation
as soon as possible!

Sincerely


GEORGE RHYNES
A concerned citizen and brother of humanity!

Cc: Lake Park Post, Valdosta, Daily times, Valdosta, Lowndes County
Branch of the NAACP, Peoples Tribunal, WCTV – Channel 6, WALB TV –
Channel 10