Perez gives back

As I read articles about Jorge Perez’s donation to the Miami Art Museum, the controversy that surrounds his gift and the emotions it has sparked, one word comes to mind: hypocrisy.

For years, the practice of selling naming opportunities for a lead gift has been a common practice for large capital campaigns, as in the case of MAM.

Right, wrong or indifferent, it is the world in which we live, and it is a practice that is preached and, most important, that works. This is a well-known process, and it is typically accepted among those who participate. Miami, a relatively young community with many ambitious endeavors, needs the financial support of its members to continue our cultural renaissance. As we strive to become an international and culturally diverse city, we should embrace community leaders such as Perez are willing to give back to their communities, instead of alienating them.

In the simplest of terms, I thank Jorge Perez for his generosity.

James D. Tate, North Miami

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