Murray’s Ouster
Whether the mayor and City Council’s decision to ask Sylvester Murray to resign as city manager was racially motivated or not it, nevertheless, is sad that they didn’t take into account just what Mr. Murray has meant to San Diego’s black community.
They have failed to consider how we’ve only, in recent years, begun to enjoy simple privileges that other Americans have historically taken for granted--eating in restaurants, sitting anywhere on a bus, buying homes of our choice, voting, holding office . . .
The mayor and council don’t seem to realize that when a black person succeeds in any positive endeavor, she or he becomes a source of pride to other blacks. Sylvester Murray’s selection as San Diego’s city manager brightened our outlook on life. He’s been accessible to us and other citizens. He’s served as a role model to our children. He’s competent. Caring. Respected nationally.
And now that he has resigned, the black community is left stunned, wondering just what it will take from us to make it in this city.
ERNIE McCRAY
San Diego
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