Editor, The Smithfield Times:

Ida B. Wells once said, “The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth on them.” At a recent Surry County Board of Supervisors meeting, citizens shared their truth, their light. I was grateful for a forum where their perspectives on race and power could be heard.

The Rev. Lawrence Beale addressed Surry County’s racial past and present. Dr. Beale’s measured words were remarkable considering the marginalization he’s experienced in his 90-plus years. His perspective that Surry County’s divides are “racial but not racist” is intriguing, albeit not inspiring; and appears to suggest that The Smithfield Times’ editorial board shouldn’t hold its breath when it “long(s) for the day when race is no longer a prevailing factor in politics.”

Dr. Beale defined our divide by “progressive” vs. “a return to the past,” a perspective I don’t share even while I honor the truths it contains. Respect and true hearing are the infrastructure of healing; and if “progress” is the goal, then healing is progress I can get behind.

Dr. Shalom Pierce was also articulate and insightful; yet when she said, “the actions of these majority board members are not oppressive, do not marginalize,” it was impossible not to recall those very board members attempting to arm themselves at meetings under a perception that whites were a threat. Dr. Pierce went on to say, “So let’s not play the race card” even as County Administrator Melissa Rollins threw down that very card in her now-infamous comment, “I know that because we have African Americans in leadership positions we are discriminated on big time. Fact!”  

It’s unlikely that people of color in leadership positions face discrimination, and other groups do not. Considering the county’s long history of power imbalances and abuses, I’d expect the scales of justice to sway for a while before they settle.

I think Dr. Beale is closer to the truth with his perspective of progressive (government-fueled prosperity for historically oppressed people) vs. traditional country values (quiet, independent living in God’s Country), and those perspectives correspond to racial groups. I think both doctors are also correct that there is an ongoing power struggle, but a “racial and not racist” divide is still hardly progress.

We must throw out race cards and play a more inclusive game. The current game falls short of making me angry, instead making me SAD. Maybe nobody has to lose.

 

Dr. Daniel A. Shaye

Surry