Overheard at a local eatery this afternoon was a discussion on the merits of the MLK day holiday. (When the people at the next table are virtually shouting, I think that the rules against eavesdropping must be applied leniently, at best). As most of my readers know, there are still schools in Arkansas that do not recognize the holiday, and the appropriateness of this omission was under consideration. One man suggested that it’s not a very good holiday because “the post-office is closed, the libraries are closed, and the banks are closed.” I suppose the reasoning is that a holiday is no good if you can’t cash a check, mail a package, or get a book. By this reckoning, Christmas must be the worst holiday of the year, because even some Wal-Marts are closed on Christmas. Another diner suggested that the day is just not important to “us” (presumptively the good white folk of Arkansas). In a state that officially recognizes MLK day as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert E. Lee’s Birthdays (Observed), this type of attitude should come as no surprise. Some state agencies actually put a sign on the door stating that the agency will be closed in observance of MKL and REL’s birthdays. Where is the outcry over recognition of Robert E. Lee? If my knowledge of American history serves me, General REL was not an Arkansan. If our state really wants to attract businesses from more progressive regions of the country, it probably should downplay the rampant racism among its populace. Celebrating Robert E. Lee day is not helping our image.
I am deeply saddened to report that the PA band will, in fact, be making the long trip to Greenwood this Friday night for round 2 of the state football playoffs, after sitting out last Friday’s game at Helena-West Helena. I think it is only fair to point out that, according to the US Census Bureau, Greenwood is 96% white, and the median family income is $41,278 (in US 1999 dollars). Helena is 67.9% black, with a median family income of $21,534. West Helena is 65.7% black, and the median family income is $25,014. Google Maps tells me that the trip from PA to Helena-West Helena is 126 miles. PA to Greenwood is 169 miles. Will someone please give me a valid reason why the band didn’t make the trip to Helena so that I might find some respite for my troubled conscience? Now, more than ever, I need to know what act or threat of violence against PA students or band led to this decision. If this isn’t about race, please, please, tell me what it IS about.
I wish the PA football team nothing but the best for the 2nd game of the playoffs, and I hope they make it to the championship again this year. I thought long and hard about making this post. Am I being divisive? Should I have ignored the implications of the travel decision in the name of civility? In the end, I think it is right to ask the questions that lead to change.
Update: Wednesday, Nov. 18,2009: The PA band will sit out the game at Greenwood. I think this is the right decision, and I applaud the band director and administration. I wish this issue had never arisen, that the band had made the trip to both schools to cheer the football team on. Perhaps a clear and fair policy on band attendance at away games will prevent this situation from arising in the future.
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