Dear Editor:
The time has come. We cannot continue to kick the can down the road.
Recreation and education goes hand in hand, and our children’s futures are at stake – their futures and the future of this community. We all must come together for the future of our children.
Mr. Harold C. Kelly proved over and over again though his commitment to education and recreation. He set a high bar that has not been followed. The Board of Supervisors is the key, and I am personally asking those who believe in their community to step up.
I have no doubt that public education in this community is on the rise, and again the decline began with Mr. Kelly’s departure. Really all of the teachers (black) that I worked with will tell you this is true.
I am personally committed to gearing my actions to this memory of a man I loved for his commitment to the children, both black and white, and to a community he loved.
I have made myself no stranger to listening and talking to students and teachers as well as the headmasters at Benton and Manchester academies. My son even finished at one of them. He will be a better man because of it.
We cannot isolate ourselves from each other, if we do it will be the death of their community and our private schools as well.
My concern goes deep and I won't hide it. If not now, when?
Coach Johnny Staples
