Jackson Free Press

On March 25, 2011, the Veterans of the Mississippi Civil Rights Movement, in cooperation with Jackson State University, will host Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan to deliver the keynote address at their annual Civil Rights Conference. To some, this selection makes sense, as Minister Farrakhan is a leader in a number of African American communities.

To many others, however, this invitation to be the keynote speaker at a convention commemorating the Civil Rights Movement and honoring one of its many enduring messages, "Respect for All," is not only perplexing, it is downright offensive. Minister Farrakhan has spoken out against Catholics for "subjecting black people to a white-kind of theology"; Jews for having a "dirty/gutter religion"; and homosexuals, whom he recently referred to as "swine."

Taking more accurately the universal message of the Civil Rights Movement to heart, this letter is not a call for silence, as that would be antithetical to the Movement as well. Rather, this letter is a call for understanding. We encourage attendees of Minister Farrakhan's address to inform themselves of the larger history from which he draws and distorts. Through educating ourselves, we may draw a more accurate picture of our reality, not allowing potentially hate-filled or divisive rhetoric to divide our ever-improving community. Additionally, we encourage participation in the other programs that day more in tune with the Civil Rights Movement and the lessons it offers:

• Hank Thomas, a Civil Rights Freedom Rider, will be delivering his stirring firsthand account at Millsaps College (1701 North State St.) at 12:30 p.m. as part of the Rabbi Perry Nussbaum Lecture Series.

• Bishop Ronnie Crudup and his of New Horizon congregation will be joining the Congregation of Beth Israel (5315 Old Canton Road) for a united prayer session focusing on "Civil Rights and Tolerance in a Diverse Community" at 6:15 p.m. All are welcome.

By engaging in these ways, we follow honorably in the footsteps of diverse Americans who marched together, before us, helping our entire society embrace the vision that regardless of race or religion, creed or color, national origin, sexual orientation or political affiliation, no one should be excluded from noble heritage that is America: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. May we honor them and their message, on this day and every day, by honoring one another. Let's continue to build and repair, not tear down or tear apart.

Reverend Dr. T.W. Lewis
Sister Deborah Hughes
Reverend Frank Spencer
Pastor Bruce Case
Reverend Edward O'Connor
Pastor Jim Becker
Rabbi Valerie Cohen
Dr. John Brashier
Reverend Thomas Clark
Reverend Phil Reed
Reverend Su McLain
Mr. Macy Hart
Pastor Robert Blanton
Dr. Susan M. Glisson
Reverend Sally Fran Ross
Rabbi Debra Kassoff
Rabbi Marshal Klaven
Mr. Charles H. Tucker
Dr. Harold Kolodney, Jr.
Peter H. Meyers, MTS
Mrs. Beatrice Gotthelf
Reverend Amy Joyner Finkelberg
Mrs. Erin Read Summerlin
Mr. Ricky Jackson

Previous Commentsshow

Like all mankind including the people listed here in this column and me, Farrakhan isn't perfect. However, he is outstanding in many ways, and the recorded number of people who have opened their eyes and changed their criminal and preying ways after listening to him is proof of it. From what I have been able to discern the people in attendance at the event enjoyed his presence and speech. Personally, I'm open-minded enough to listen to him and not be poisoned or made hateful by anything he says that is objectionable. I have heard him speak many time during and after my college days. He is quite inspiring in so many ways. No one is beyond criticism, change, error or forgiveness. I know so many people whose public and private record of wrongdoings and hate eclipses Farrakhan's but are loved so dearly by so many people who keep giving them chances. Personally, as a practicing Christian I neither give up on or into Mr. Farrakhan. I've been wondering for years if not decades what would people who dislike Farrakhan rather he does. If he apologizes for all objectionable things he's said would that be enough. Would disavowal and continued leadership of the Nation of Islam suffice. Or is stepping down and going away necessary and in order. Would his detractors or critics step in and provide the things he does to the people who seems to eat up the word he speaks? Just wondering!? Not criticizing or trying to tell anyone else what to believe or to think.

Walt

Mar 28 2011