Below is the letter that I wrote to Ms. Anne Marie Gurney, Vice Chair of the Multnomah County Republicans.
January 18, 2014
January 18, 2014
Dear Ms. Gurney,
Hello, my name
is Monica Wilson and we spoke earlier this week on the telephone. To refresh your memory, I was born and raised
in Portland and I am graduate of Portland State University with a double major
in Political Science and Liberal Studies (focusing on Conflict Resolution and
Sociology) with a minor in Civic Leadership.
Most importantly I am invested in keeping Portland as a great place to
live. I believe that we both love this
city and act in ways that we hope will benefit our communities. As I mentioned during our conversation, I
think it’s important to value the leaders who have contributed to our country’s
greatness. You and the Multnomah County
Republicans (MCR) may believe that you are honoring the legacy of one of the
most visibly influential leaders of the civil rights movement, Dr. Reverend
Martin Luther King Jr., by raffling an AR-15 or other handgun at the upcoming
Lincoln Day dinner, but I urge you to reconsider. You have the unique opportunity, in updating
your purpose in the raffle, to show that the Multnomah County Republicans are
responsive to the voices of a diverse community that is offended and hurt by
this sort of “celebration.” I am not
sure if you are aware, but at present this raffle is easily understood as
mocking the legacy of the late Doctor rather than actually bestowing honor.
There are a
plethora of celebrations and activities each year on and around the holiday
that commemorates Dr. King’s life and accomplishments. As a national day of service many people
volunteer in their communities, others attend lectures and participate in
conversations about race, diversity and equity.
While researching your organizations event I learned that some people
prefer to practice their noose tying skills and buy confederate flags while
others sag their pants and wear gold chains. This raffle provides both fuel and
a forum for hate groups such as Stormfront (a white supremacy group) whose web
page was listed before MCR’s in a google search.
It is not a sign
of respect to honor a man in ways that are contrary to his life’s purpose. Dr. King‘s legacy was not only practicing the
doctrine of non-violence, but asking others to risk their lives and physical
safety to do the same. This raffle is
completely disrespectful of Dr. King and as local leaders I know you can do
better. Again, I encourage you to
reconsider using the raffle to honor Dr. King.
On November 17th
Mr. Patrick Henry wrote a blog for MCR’s website reflecting on a keynote speech
by Mr. Joseph Phillips at Portland State University. The blog explores some of the dynamics that
accompany African American communities and the struggles faced by African
American conservatives. Coverage of this
event, paired with the larger national conversation regarding the changing
demographics of the Republican Party and conservative ideologues, indicates
that conservative leaders are purposefully cultivating an understanding of the
need for a space that welcomes people of color.
I ask you to consider how this raffle impacts the perception of the
Multnomah County Republicans by both the African American community and other
people of color in the area who look to the political leaders in our city and
region to lead with integrity. While I
do not doubt that your intentions, as well as the intentions of MRC, are in the
right place, I implore you to consider the impact on those who have a strong
understanding of Dr. King’s actual non-partisan politics, as well as those who
hold Dr. King as the pivotal figure that ushered in a new era of race relations
in this country and abroad, and their inclusion in your organization.
What I am asking
of you, Ms. Gurney, and the Multnomah County Republicans, is very simple: please
remove the language on your website and all other promotional materials
promoting the raffle of weaponry as a tribute to Dr. Reverend Martin Luther
King Jr. I would be happy to help your
organization reflect on, plan and organize a more appropriate and inclusive
event to show respect to this American hero.
I appreciate
your time.
Best,
Monica Wilson
