Jefferson Reunion

Re “Monticello Doors to Open Wider for Jefferson’s Kin,” May 14: Talk about a metaphor. The white Jeffersons are a little reluctant to admit the black Jeffersons into the family. Ninety-five percent of all black Americans today can trace their American heritage prior to 1763. Yet 75% of all white Americans in America today can trace their American heritage from the years 1830 to 1915. Black folk were here in America when men and women like Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings shaped this country. Black folk were here when the fundamental rights we so cherish were inscribed in our beloved Constitution. Black folks were here to build this country with sweat from their brows and blood from their veins through death in war. The black tradition in America is inseparable from America itself. White America and black America are one in the country we’ve created.

To the descendants of Tom and Sally I say, revel in your family’s history, and try to be tolerant of the rest of us Johnny-come-latelies who only dream of your history.

K. CHARLES LEFEVER

San Gabriel