The Huntsville, Ala. group is rallying behind a Black councilwoman after she turned the goal of a racist assault. Now, a proper investigation is underway to seek out out precisely how an nameless racist letter reached the desk of Councilwoman.
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Michelle L. Watkins was elected to her place in 2024, making historical past as the primary Black lady to be chosen for the position in North Huntsville’s District 1, according to Alabama A&M College. However months after the feat, Watkins turned the sufferer of a racist prank when she obtained a letter calling her a slur and making enjoyable of her pure hair.
After being despatched the letter on June. 9, Watkins took to social media posing the heartbreaking query, “Is my hair nappy?” She continued within the caption saying, “I obtained this right now via the mail on the Metropolis of Huntsville.”
The letter in query was addressed to “Michelle Watkins” on the sixth flooring of Huntsville’s Metropolis Council workplace however didn’t embrace a return tackle. In full, it learn “Expensive, Please to strive not appearing like a dumb n****r in entrance of the digital camera!” earlier than persevering with, “Repair your nappy head!” The writer of the bigoted letter then signed off, “Thanks, Tennessee Valley.”
To be anticipated, the act sparked outrage throughout the Huntsville group. Civil rights activists, Black residents and even the town’s mayor got here to the protection of the HBCU graduate.
In a written assertion obtained by WHNT, Mayor Tommy Battle condemned the act. “I noticed the malicious assault on Council Member Michelle Watkins, and it makes me mad,” he mentioned. “Our group is a lot better than what that message displays. The Metropolis denounces this incident within the strongest phrases. Everybody deserves to be handled with dignity and respect.”
The Huntsville-Madison County NAACP Department #5034 spoke out noting that is simply one other instance of the continuing racism plaguing the nation. The department known as the letter “vile” earlier than including, “This act of hatred isn’t solely a private assault on a devoted public servant, but in addition an assault on the values of fairness, justice, and dignity that we, as a society, should uphold.”
The assertion went on demanding an in depth investigation into the racist latter. “We name on native authorities to analyze this matter completely and to carry these accountable accountable.” The group additionally urged residents to proceed to talk out in opposition to hate and unjust assaults on all individuals however particularly Black People. “The Huntsville-Madison County NAACP Department stays steadfast in its dedication to defending civil rights and making certain that every one people, no matter race, can stay and lead with out worry,” the assertion mentioned.
The sender has but to be recognized, in accordance with studies. It is unclear the motivation–outside of racism of course– behind the assault on Watkins.
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