From: "Kecia L. Lightner"

Subject: Auburn Protest Report

Date: Sat, 17 Nov 2001 19:59:40 -0800 (PST)

Peace & Greetings:

Today I had a heart-breaking experience. No, not some clingy, female emotional reaction tied to a male counterpart, but something much deeper than that. Today's heartache was a direct effect of MY PEOPLE, MY BLACK PEOPLE! As many receiving this email are aware today was scheduled as the day to make our voices heard at ear-piercing levels; a day to show Alabamamians that the recent blackface incident would in no form or fashion be tolerated by US, BLACK PEOPLE!

Prior to the showdown, MANY were vocal and adamant that some sign of resistance to ignorance must be undertaken and soon. MANY passionately stated that they were the man or woman to call for such a task. MANY agreed that the perpetrators of such blatant racist acts had to suffer permanent consequences. MANY complained that something had to be done to let not only the rest of Alabama, but the rest of the world know that we, as BLACK FOLKS, would not tolerate such disrespect. BUT when it was time to merge actions with words, MANY of MY PEOPLE could not be found.

The exact number of people who remained committed to the cause was pathetic to say the least. I would think that with Birmingham being the actual centerpiece for struggle that there would have been several dozen fed-up black folks ready to stampede the city of Auburn. Considering the campus of UAB experienced a similar blackface incident by medical students at a Halloween Party [it would seem] that countless, FEARLESS BSU members and UAB students would have been leading the fight. I would think if my people could protest nationwide against the threat of discontinuing Freaknik that surely such unwarranted aggressions against the image of US would generate a mass movement. Sadly, none of the above happened this morning. Being at Kelly Ingram Park this morning it was hard to believe that it once stood as a battleground for frustrated people fearless in their convictions and fight for change. But then again, I guess that was too long ago for us to remember.

Anyway, to add insult to an already bruised and injured heart, The NAACP, who was organizing the protest in Auburn, refused to even do just that...protest. Feeling that many of their demands were met, they instead held a "celebratory rally" where we danced our usual Sambo-inspired jigs while smells of fish and barbecue filled the air. I failed to see what there was to celebrate, but maybe I missed the closed-door meeting that was held to discuss concessions and demands. I don't know which was more saddening the lack of Birminghamians willing to free themselves of whatever caused them fear and apathy or seeing the NAACP's plantation-esque display at St. Luke Church in Auburn. Greasy smiles (from all the ['c]ue and fish, I guess) greeted us, but no one satisfactorily revealed the cause for celebration to me.

But to wrap this email up, Howard University students brought back the sunshine. They represented to the fullest. They left D.C. last night bound for Bama and they brought their fighting spirits with them. Had it not been for them our trip would have been wasted and in vain. They were as disappointed as we that the NAACP refused to dust off their behinds and "Stomp" out the hate and ignorance that plague our people nationally on the daily. So instead of sitting back and complaining about their discontent, the HU students hit the streets and chanted, screamed and ACTED along with us. Sadly, the HU students outnumbered both the Auburn students and Black Alabamamians.

The HU students unselfishly sacrificed a lot to join us down south in our struggles and the only thing we could give them in return was a 2001 plantation hoe-down. Right now, I have more love for people whom I may never see again than for the familiar ones that I see in Birmingham. Because of the committed people whom I journeyed to Auburn with and the HU students I can truly say I am glad that I went and proud to know that I am a woman of my word, but how many others can say the same?

As Always Peace,

KLL aka K-Light