Readers weigh in on column about Black on Black crime
Recently, my columns have been about Black on Black crimes, and the need for Blacks to care more for each other. While I have always enjoyed a good response from readers - those who agree with me, and those who don’t - these two columns seemed to strike a nerve in many people. Most, like me, want the killing to stop. Some just want to tell me how bad Blacks are. And some, like a 13-year-old girl from Melbourne, Australia, just wanted me to know I inspire her.
Here are excerpts from the letters on my columns of July 26 and Aug. 2:
“Your article this morning was right on the money. So sad that you had to write it. … Let’s be honest, this level of carnage will only end when guns are completely abolished. But in the meantime, we have to find solutions. Your article said what needs to be repeated on a much more public platform, and it does not just address the issue among Blacks, but among all races and ethnicities ... .It is so inspiring to see you step up to the plate and say it as it is. It could not have been easy for you … .” - Phillip M. Church
“I have always enjoyed reading your articles. This Sunday edition was very profound and emotional with the current events happening now. I agree … Blacks have been mistreated by law enforcement, but Blacks turning on Blacks is very sad. I pray to the Lord that what is happening now will develop into a brotherhood, and a respectful society for all human beings. I am a 77-year-old Cuban who came to this country when I was 12, and yes, my sister and I were discriminated against for being white and Latino. But we survived and prevailed. May the Lord bless all His children, Blacks and whites, to show love and respect for each other. God bless the USA.” - Mirta Alonso
“I am a retired law enforcement/federal task force FBI investigator who spent 10 years with the South Florida Violent FBI Squad working in the inner cities. During my tenure we were able to dismantle a violent gang responsible for over 41 murders within three years. All these murders were Black on Black crimes, fighting over drug turfs. Most of the victims were young Black males. I sincerely believe that BLM and there are racist cops and corrupt police. … I would like to see arrests of gang members that are destroying the lives of others..” - Luis Diazlay
“Your letter today was right on point. Again a shooting in Brownsville where a 7-year-old child is brain dead and a baby was hit by bullets. I came to Miami in 1950 and never went to school with anyone who was not white. I joined the Navy and served with the Marine Corps. My interaction with folks of different races and cultures was not a big deal. I went to work for Eastern Airlines in 1956 and worked closely with two African Americans. … We had many conversations about Black youths who took up with gangs and were killing each other. When I lived in Brooklyn (1937-1950) it was the Puerto Rican kids who did the same thing. All lives matter and we need to start with the family … . God bless you and keep this type of news coming, Somebody, somewhere wili [read] and change their ways.“
-Tom Hanlon, MDPD Chaplain
“The article on July 26 was right on the spot and I wish every young person, and especially Black people, had read it. I, too, remember the days when we looked after one another in the Black neighborhoods. Once there was a bad boy in our neighborhood, who cussed at my grandmother; it was the worst thing that could ever happen. My grandmother, aunts, uncles and close neighbors marched to the boy’s house to tell his family what he had done. I don’t know how we got to where we are now, when it comes to disrespecting and murdering our own people. I try, whenever I can, to talk to young people about education and religion and just staying out of trouble.” --Charles Orr
“Black lives do matter. So sad we continue to hear and read of Black gangsters killing Blacks, many times innocent Black lives. When will this end? As we watched, listened and learned of the life and accomplishments of Congressman John Lewis, we are blessed having had him, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and other leaders in this country, working for peace.” --Edward Mazzei
On July 30, a news article was published. It was about how Black children are more likely to be killed than white children in America. How there needs to be stricter gun laws... I was so inspired by your writing and what you wrote that I decided to write you an email. Here it is:
You wrote the most amazing article I have ever read, and your writing is so inspiring. I want you to know that you have made a great difference and I want to thank you for that. You have made my day amazing.” -Jayda Le Lievre-Shaw, 13, Melbourne, Australia.
This story was originally published August 5, 2020 at 12:00 PM.