Tolley M. Jones’ columns are a reckoning for all white members of the community; for me, they feel like a “punch in the gut,” and that’s not a complaint. For all 47 years of my life, I’ve largely only known primarily other white people. Prior to the death of George Floyd, I had sadly been ignorant to many of the injustices Black Americans face.
Ms. Jones’ columns makes such ignorance impossible. They are a clarion call to become aware of what Black Americans have faced in the past, are facing now and will continue to face unless changes are made. Her writings are a powerful, and often damning, call for accountability and action.
A teacher of mine once told me, “true growth is often painful.” Reading Ms. Jones’ columns often feels that way, but unless we (the white community) face the ugly realities of institutional racism, America as a society will not grow.
Thank you, Tolley M. Jones, for bringing all of these issues to the forefront of our community. I hope your words, no matter how challenging, will continue to be featured prominently in our newspaper.
Tim Anderson
Amherst
