To the Editor:
In response to the editorial “We think Juneteenth is important. It doesn’t feel that way in Riverhead.”(Jun. 17, 2022), I applaud it wholeheartedly. It echoes what I’ve been speaking on for some time now. I thought that maybe the lack of interest in what was being said was generated by the mere fact that I am a native of Riverhead but no longer reside in the township. However should that diminish the level of love I have for my hometown? I think not.
The author of that editorial hit the nail on the head. A voice for the African American community in Riverhead is non-existent. No longer is there a Lion in Judah, a courageous voice to speak for the voiceless. Many profess to take on that challenge but when it comes time to speak truth to power, when it comes time to challenge the powers that be…….all you hear is utter silence.
I know this is a tough pill to swallow but it’s the truth. You can’t get angry with the substance in that editorial especially when it is the truth. The African American community in Riverhead has no representation. There’s a lot of camera catchers and microphone magicians that only appear when the media cameras are rolling. However when it’s time to get in the trenches, when it’s time to roll up their sleeves and engage in the plight to empower the community they are a no show.
I think the author should point them out, those that hesitated or whose knees became a little wobbly when asked to speak up and speak out. Call them out, I don’t care who it was, let me repeat that I don’t care who it was. There is no Lion in Judah!
C. Hobson Jr.
Riverhead native living in Virginia
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