More Arguments on Buying American : Positive Images of a Community’s Leaders

On behalf of the black community of Los Angeles, I acknowledge with appreciation your article “Refuge and Strength” by Iris Schneider (Feb. 9).

In this article on black church life in Southern California, you permitted your readers to encounter three progressive black ministers, Cecil L. Murray, pastor of First African Episcopal Church; Benjamin F. Reid, pastor of the First Church of God; and Kenneth J. Flowers, pastor of the Messiah Baptist Church.

What makes this article significant is that you did not merely present these ministers expressing their views, but portrayed them as positive and effective leaders. Even their photographic portraits were offered in a style befitting both their persons and charge.

But most important is the manner in which they were shown as shepherding warriors, engaged in the actualization of hope of black people who are experiencing reversals that are, in large measure, attributable to racism that is today alive and well in Southern California.

URIAH J. FIELDS, president

American Christian Freedom Society

Los Angeles