Finding Lavinia

Re “Going Back to Find Lavinia,” Jan. 16: What a beautiful piece of journalism Lisa Richardson wrote on her great-great-great-grandmother Lavinia. It not only was well written but it was fascinating and heartwarming as well. I guess we all (of whatever race we are) have a lot yet to learn about love, forgiveness, making amends and letting go.

MAUREEN E. REDFIELD

San Clemente

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Martin Luther King’s holiday is ill-served by Richardson’s article. When family can establish the strongest bonds that tie, she rejects the idea of sharing kinship with my race. Could not we embrace the idea of a shared history and in that way heal the wounds of past atrocities? She quotes her cousin saying, “Caucasians are so quick and able to say where they are from, while I have no idea.” I am European American and my family came to America many generations ago, just like the Richardson family. Through time my family has lost its tie to one area across the seas. Those who have an idea of their origin came to America only a generation or two ago. A simple passage of time explains a difference.

To honor Dr. King, cannot we now overcome our differences and come together as Americans?

KAREN B. JACOBS

San Diego