Fairhaven Select Board chairperson Leon Correy has announced that he will not seek reelection (see page 17) due to the relentless racism he and his family have experienced since he became a public figure in town.
One thing not in the story is that Mr. Correy referred to something I said to his wife in his initial post. When he was using the fire department hose to cool down the kids, I made a reference to the 1960s and Black protesters getting knocked down by fire hoses by police. In my mind it was a we’ve-come-a-long-way moment.
It was not. It was beyond insensitive.
Leon’s wife sent me an email a couple of weeks later, and I was mortified to the point of nausea. I could not understand how I could be so insensitive and, plainly, stupid. She didn’t ask for a public apology or I would have done that. I should have done that anyway. It’s been bubbling under the surface and that serves no one.
In my answer to her, I promised to self reflect, and I have been doing that.
I still do not understand how I could be so blind to how hurtful the comment would be. The word “apology” falls woefully short.
All I can do is try to be better.
I will read the book, “White Fragility,” that our Town Administrator recommended. And I will do my best to recognize my own biases and, simply, to get better.
The Fallen Warrior Memorial will be in New Bedford, and there will be a special ceremony for Fairhaven native Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew R. Rodriguez on the 10th anniversary of his death in Afghanistan, on Monday, 12/11 at 3 p.m. at the airport. See page 4 for details. Young Matthew, just 19 at the time of his death, was known as the smiling warrior because of his infectious smile. If you can make it on Monday, please do. It’s only in New Bedford, for a native son.
We also have some meeting coverage for you. See page 4 for Select Board.
And, big doings this weekend. It’s the Old-Time Holiday weekend (see page 5), with all kinds of stuff happening in the center. It will look like a Christmas movie! Really, it will. Let’s hope it’s cold, but not too cold; and maybe a smattering of snow to make it all it can be.
Until next week then, see ya
Glory to Ukraine!
Glory to the Heroes!
•••
Click here to download the 12/7/23 issue: 12-07-23 FHSSuperBowl
Click here to download Leon Correy’s 10/28/23 post: LeonFBPost_10-28-23
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal
