The Virginian-Pilot
                             THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Wednesday, February 28, 1996           TAG: 9602280009
SECTION: FRONT                    PAGE: A10  EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Letter 
                                             LENGTH: Short :   22 lines

DOUBLE STANDARD

If former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder wanted to celebrate the beginning of Black History Month by organizing a ``celebration ball,'' there would be no racial outcry. It would be explained that it is his right as a black man to celebrate his heritage. But because the Bonnie Blue Ball is to honor the 100 years of the Museum of the Confederacy, it is considered by the former governor a way of denying basic human rights and that it sends a ``chilling message.''

BILLIE B. BRISTOW

Chesapeake, Feb. 16, 1996 by CNB