Symbols matter......

Let’s not forget that symbols matter

Symbols matter. We need look no further than the fight in Georgia to remove the Confederate flag from a position of sovereignty.
It is profoundly saddening that any time a group of black people requests a change, the majority of white people respond with irrational opposition. Groups such as the NAACP, Rainbow/PUSH, and The People’s Tribunal must resort to litigation, boycotts and civil disobedience before progress is made on issues affecting black people.
I lived in Virginia when Arthur Ashe died. Many black leaders in Richmond wanted to erect a monument to him on the city's main thoroughfare, known as (Confederate) Monument Boulevard. The viciousness expressed by white people opposed to his statue being placed next to that of Robert E. Lee was horrifying.
It is not up to any white person to decide for black people what should be important. Almost every public building in Valdosta was named before black people could vote. I know of only one public building named for a black person, the rest are named for white people.
We white people have plenty of our own symbols all around us, and it must give great comfort to some that we can drive past the Courthouse every day and see a symbol of white superiority called the Confederate Monument. I know, it’s heritage, not hate, it's about how proud we are that our ancestors took up arms against the U.S. government.
I want my daughter to grow up in a city where people come together in a spirit of goodwill for the greater good.
As long as that Confederate Monument is on the Courthouse lawn, I think black people in Valdosta ought to be able to rename any place they want.

Leigh Touchton
Valdosta