Chillicothe , MO

EFFIGY

 Editorial for press release

 

 

 

November 12, 2009

 

 

 

To the Editor:

 

As I was driving down Cherry Street on Oct. 30^th, I noticed an effigy of a man hanging from a tree- in other words a lynching scene.  I was so astonished that I had to back up and look at it closely so as to absorb what I was viewing. I took a picture to verify the effigy and later sent it to CNN for comments.   I later talked to a friend who suggested that I contact the media in Chillicothe for their response as well.  I have tried for several days to send this letter through the proper channels of the Constitution Tribune web site however I have been unsuccessful in posting it through your “blog” or “news” link.  Thus, this is the reason you are receiving this letter via e-mail.

 

That effigy was so disturbing for it carried a message of hate, racism and a legacy of pain inflicted upon a people who were kidnapped, brutalized, dehumanized and psychologically made to feel inferior by slave owners. It is a sad day in the year of 2009, that some people continue to perpetuate the cruel treatment that Human Beings inflicted upon other Human Beings.   What a message for this current generation and what does that say about the people of Chillicothe, Mo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am calling this to your attention and hopefully this will be a beginning for dialogue regarding race… something that tends to make most people feel uncomfortable but is very much needed.  I am suggesting that the residence at 401 Cherry Street be contacted regarding this incident and a public apology be made to the African Americans of Chillicothe.  Other actions are being considered to address this atrocious act and to find ways for decency and respect toward others to prevail.

 

 

Sincerely

 

 

Mary Ann Dunlap

Garrison School Alumnae