Hi George,

When election time comes in Charlottesville focus is placed on the African Americans by the democrats to assure their votes. The typical course of this action is similar to some marriages. After the vows of commitment, the courtship ends.

The question has been raised about the paucity of black voters. This probably began long ago with the paucity of benefits addressing issues specific to the black community. Specifically, percentage points for this group for performance in the schools should not be up to fifty percent less than for white students, and definitely should not have gone so long this way without some aggressive study and inquiry into the reasons.

Also the Jefferson school alumnae have indicated for years the wish to see this site preserved as an historical sight. It is really no difference in my mind that preserving and redirecting the uses for an underutilized school like McGuffey for artists and what could be done with Jefferson for the cultural arts and other interests reflective of the African-American and their heritage in Charlottesville. Just think, many artists with no such history in the Charlottesville community are provided a site made very affordable to them.

Can you imagine how VALUED the blacks of Charlottesville would feel with such a commitment from the city. I truly believe the old Hawthorn effect would kick in and this community would finally have a reason to commit to and be more involved in the city's politics. Right now it is just that! The city's politics -- and how the city's large number of blacks have benefited from the traditional party of their choice being in power so long is the question.

I hear the comments. They are of mistrust, betrayal, anger and helplessness. Many reminisce about the cohesiveness displayed before the schools were integrated -- of the major play productions, oratorical contests, athletic teams. and teachers who were demanding and stern because they cared and expected only the best of the students.

As a group there has not been the wherewithal to hold together as a united front. No community operates on such an optimum level. So don't fall back of the excuse that so and so doesn't feel the same way etc. The city won't be giving something to this community. They will be giving something back. The African-Americans have contributed significantly to this city, sometimes of heartbreaking proportions. Jefferson would be quite a statement of acknowledgment and a powerful political intervention. Revenues could be raised from other designated users of the improved structure to assist in upkeep and maintenance. I think members of the African-American community would be eager to engage in a dialogue of possibilities, forming a board of directors with a charter always guaranteeing that this community maintain better than 50% of the membership, etc., etc., etc.

What an exciting challenge; what a healthy step as a contribution to this 'world class city" I don't see possible without resolution of this age old, too long ignored black/white dichotomy.

Muriel Wiggins (electronic mail, February 15, 2002)