October 24, 2020
Dear Lafayette County Supervisors and Oxford Board of Aldermen,
I am a resident, educator, religious leader and military veteran of Oxford, Mississippi. Your actions concerning the Confederate statue are alarming and as an individual who wears many hats around town, I can tell you with confidence that the statue does not represent the majority of our residents and that it gives a negative vibe to our community.
Twenty-two years ago, when I left home for the military, I felt then that I would never come back. I felt this way due to the blatant reminders of oppression, racism and discrimination that I endured in this community as a youth. While I was away serving my country and protecting our citizens, including you, I learned that leaving and not bringing my talent home was a part of the problem. So many people before me have taken their talents and passions away from home and have never returned for the same reasons that I originally had.
I returned to Oxford because I missed home and because we are a unique community with many great people. I explained to my family that it is 2020, twenty-two years have passed, and surely Oxford, Mississippi has progressed. Unfortunately, I had to explain to my children what the statue means on our second night here.
That statue represents a period of hatred for many. As a military veteran, I can speak for the majority when I say to you that the statue is not respected by my brothers and sisters in service. Many of us veterans agree it should come down, evident by the many Confederate symbols being removed from our military bases. Personally, as a veteran who served during Operation Enduring Freedom, it is disheartening that you have chosen to not even allow me to speak to you about this statue issue, although I made the ultimate sacrifice for you.
Please take the statue down. We are stronger together and that statue does nothing but divide.
Sincerely,
Minister Michael Johnson
Oxford resident & military veteran