by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman
June 15, 2025
The handwritten letter referred to the councilwoman’s hair as ‘nappy’ whereas calling her a racial slur.
The native leaders of Huntsville, Alabama have shared statements condemning a racist letter despatched to a metropolis councilwoman.
District 1 Councilwoman Michelle Watkins acquired the nameless hate message, which refers to her as a racial slur, at her council workplace. The creator then instructed her to “repair your nappy head” amongst different verbal assaults that sparked a response from native management. Based on News19, the handwritten letter was signed as “Tennessee Valley” and postmarked June 9.
“Is my hair nappy,” questioned Watkins on Fb. ” I acquired this in the present day via the mail on the Metropolis of Huntsville.
Watkins is the primary Black lady elected to the Council. She additionally serves as one in every of two Black individuals at the moment on the physique. Mayor Tommy Battle referred to as the matter “malicious” as he condemned the hateful rhetoric. Town has a major Black inhabitants, accounting for practically 30% of residents based on U.S. Census Information.
“I noticed the malicious assault on Council Member Michelle Watkins, and it makes me mad,” expressed the mayor. “I condemn and detest this sort of assault. Our group is a lot better than what that message displays. The Metropolis denounces this incident within the strongest phrases. Everybody deserves to be handled with dignity and respect.”
The problem has additionally led to the native NAACP chapter’s involvement. The Huntsville-Madison County NAACP Department #5034 “unequivocally condemns” the letter, calling it an assault on the general public servant.
“This act of hatred shouldn’t be solely a private assault on a devoted public servant, but additionally an assault on the values of fairness, justice, and dignity that we, as a society, should uphold,” shared the department.
The assertion continued, noting how racist harassment and violence continues to plague communities throughout the US.
“This incident is a stark reminder that racism stays a persistent menace in our communities, and it have to be confronted with braveness and unity,” the assertion added. “We name on native authorities to research this matter totally and to carry these accountable accountable. We additionally urge group members to talk out in opposition to hate, to assist these focused by racism, and to work collectively to construct a extra inclusive and simply society.”
Neither the mayor nor the NAACP department have confirmed by way of their statements if an investigation will launch on the matter.
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