Wednesday, March 5, 2003

As an African-American citizen of Fayette County, I am compelled to respond to the insufficient press coverage of Fayette NAACP events.

Over the past five years, the Fayette NAACP has held several important events that are crucial to eliminating racial discrimination and fostering racial harmony. The annual Freedom Fund Banquet and Martin Luther King Day Celebration are two major Fayette NAACP events. These magnificent events bring blacks, whites and other races together. Many historical facts are exposed and local residents, including whites, are recognized for their contributions to society.

Additionally, important speakers are routinely invited to speak at monthly NAACP meetings where topics from sensitive civil rights issues, health care matters and other concerns are discussed. Nonetheless, local press coverage of these positive events leaves a lot to be desired.

While I wholeheartedly appreciate the publicity previously given to the Fayette NAACP Branch, much more can be done. Because the black population in Fayette County is projected to increase from approximately 12 percent to at least 50 percent over the next decade or so, we deserve better service from the press.

Prominent news coverage of African-American sponsored events, before and after the fact, is just as important as any other community news. Sadly, African-American newspapers are usually started because the mainstream media does not adequately cover African-American oriented news and events. Once an "African-American oriented" newspaper is started in Fayette County, there is sure to be increased competition for the limited available ad revenue and that will not be good for you or your newspaper.

John E. Jones

Fairburn