THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, March 20, 1995 TAG: 9503160015
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A6 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 34 lines
In response to the question ``Should black people receive reparations?'' (Commentary Feb. 26), I am addressing one statement made by Winston Daughtry of Murfreesboro, N.C.
First of all, earlier generations of African-Americans worked for years for free with no proof of their labor except for the gashes, cuts and bruises on their skin. Second, if one wants to get technical, there is a greater number of Caucasians receiving public assistance than there are blacks, not to mention other minorities. That's a fact and a proven statistic. Third, a majority of black people are very hard-working and determined to make a better life for themselves and their children, whereas the majority of Caucasians ``know somebody important who hooks them up with a good job or gets them into a good college.''
I am an intelligent, 19-year-old black female. I graduated from high school and have certificates in three different trades. I'll be the first to admit that it is not easy out here. Yes, I accept help from available sources when it is offered; but Mr. Daughtry needs to come to the realization that there is an enormous difference between using help to your advantage and taking advantage of it.
KYMBERLI TUCKER
Chesapeake, March 10, 1995 by CNB