In his last Sunday sermon, Dr. Martin Luther King said, “The time is always ripe to do what is right.”
I was saddened and disappointed to see the reprehensible photo of Governor Northam, yesterday. My heart hurts for my friends who had hundreds of years of wounds ripped open by someone they considered a friend and colleague.
A true leader would recognize that now is the time to step down and help begin the healing process. Governor Northam should resign.
Today is not the only day to do what is right. We must all hold ourselves accountable and continue to fight for what is right and just. We must step down from the dais when Confederates are celebrated, we must ensure equity and representation at every level in our own ranks, we must seek justice and reformation, and we must check the privilege that would allow a photo like this to exist in the world and to have never addressed it. We must ask ourselves honestly, “If racist imagery requires resignation, what should we demand of those who have for decades advanced racist policies that oppress black and brown people?”
Please join me in reflecting on this moment in time and rising to our highest ideals in order to build a stronger, more inclusive community.
Jamie Nolan
Chair, Richmond City Democratic Committee
Richmond Democrats 