About the street name change

A reader reacts to Bremerton changing Seventh Street to honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Reference to article: “History a balance between dream, reality:” “There is a reason courts require witnesses to tell, “the truth, the whole truth,” written by Leonard Pitts, Oct. 1, in the Kitsap Sun.

Tell us the “whole truth” is a question that all the citizens and especially the African Americans of this community would like to know from the Bremerton City Council. Really, why did the Bremerton City Council vote in favor of naming Seventh Street and a portion of another street which are both obscure from normal travel flow in the city Martin Luther King, Jr.?

Again, what is the whole truth and nothing but the truth?

Is it an act to defame, insult, or lessen the magnitude of influence that this great man had and still has on America and its citizens today? Did not his leadership, his trust in God, his belief of non-violence, his love and respect for the black man, red men, white man, Jew or gentile not change the foundation and history of this nation? Did Dr. King, Jr. not write, that “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere?”

If we, the people of not just this city but Kitsap County allow this political tragic decision to go forward, which I view as a slap in the face, what does it say to our younger generation about a great hero who just happen to be a Black Man who truly changed the course of this nation teaching and preaching that we are all of God’s children and we are beautiful in His sight.

Every citizen must protest against this transgression and injustice, this ongoing abortion of human dignity and disrespect to a Black leader that was a “drum- major for justice for all.”

What is next that can degrade our community and its people?

What will we tell our children and grandchildren when they ask, “Why was this practically unknown back street chosen?” Why did we not challenge this disgraceful act?”

Sam Rachal, Jr.

Bremerton