"Honoring" the legacy...

Below is the letter that I wrote to Ms. Anne Marie Gurney, Vice Chair of the Multnomah County Republicans.  

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 17^th 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