The local leaders of Huntsville, Alabama, have shared statements condemning a racist letter sent to a city councilwoman.
District 1 Councilwoman Michelle Watkins received the anonymous hate message, which refers to her as a racial slur, at her council office. The author then told her to “fix your nappy head” among other verbal attacks that sparked a response from local leadership. According to News19, the handwritten letter was signed “Tennessee Valley” and postmarked June 9.
“Is my hair nappy?” questioned Watkins on Facebook. “I received this today through the mail at the City of Huntsville.
Watkins is the first Black woman elected to the council and one of two Black people currently on the body. The city has a significant Black population, nearly 30% of its total population, according to
U.S. Census Data.“I saw the malicious attack on Council Member Michelle Watkins, and it makes me mad,” said Mayor Tommy
Battle. “I condemn and detest this kind of attack. Our community is much better than what that message reflects. The City denounces this incident in the strongest terms. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.”The Huntsville-Madison County NAACP Branch #5034 “unequivocally condemn[ed]” the letter. “This act of hatred is not only a personal attack on a dedicated public servant, but also an assault on the values of equity, justice, and dignity that we, as a society, must uphold,” the branch said.
The statement continued, noting how racist harassment and violence continues to plague communities across the United States.
“This incident is a stark reminder that racism remains a persistent threat in our communities, and it must be confronted with courage and unity. We call on local authorities to investigate this matter thoroughly and to hold those responsible accountable. We also urge community members to speak out against hate, to support those targeted by racism, and to work together to build a more inclusive and just society.”
Neither the mayor nor the NAACP branch have confirmed via their statements if there will be an investigation.
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