In the April 24 article, "Bus to Montgomery: Duluth contingent set for historic trip to lynching memorial," Sharon Witherspoon referred to Duluth as a trailblazer for addressing terrible tragedies like the 1920 lynchings here. Everyone who took part in this bus trip brought meaning to her statement. The variety in the participants' ages spoke to a much higher purpose than just paying respect to those lost to prejudice; the recognition and realization of horrendous acts to those of all ages are the only ways to prevent such acts in the future.
After reading the article and viewing the photos, a giant pit formed in my stomach. It was very hard for me to see the photos of the pillars at the lynching memorial, each one representing a life lost lost because of ignorance and hatred. The Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial in Duluth, although awful and saddening, has never given me that feeling. The representation of thousands of lynchings at the memorial in Montgomery, Ala., is overwhelming, powerful, and meaningful.
Why does it seem as if one has to be personally affected by a terrible tragedy to understand its severity and then come to realize all of the hate and sadness people have had to endure? Where are the people like the children and young adults who took the bus to witness a memorial that may have not had any impact on them or their ancestors?
If children have the want to learn about the gruesome history of our country, then why can't grown adults? The answer is quite simple: ignorance, blind hatred, and misunderstanding.
Raven Sevilleja
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