Dear Editor,

I would like to respond to a Daily Journal article from July 2 concerning the Rockingham Housing Authority Board of Directors’ meeting that was held on June 30. The meetings minutes (from Daily Journal staff reports) quotes RHA member Elizabeth Smith, board member Joe Mendola, and Housing Director Angela McGill. I can tell that Ms. McGill is trying desperately to resolve the issues at RHA. I can also feel the concern that Joe Mendola has for the residents, however Ms. Smith’s comments seem to make it an African American and Caucasian issue.

Ms. Smith stated “we should be thinking about the whole person ... every race, every nationality”. However, later Ms. Smith stated “as long as it’s not a program(s) handed down to blacks by whites.”

Are we living in 1970 or 2010? First of all, RHA has a diversified board of directors that are looking out for the interest of all residents. Ms. Smith, you make it sound as if all residents at RHA are African American. This is not true! Residents may include: Blacks, Whites, Latinos, etc. I get the indication, that Ms. Smith feels as if the proposed plans or suggestions are to be geared towards only African Americans. Once again, this is not true. We should be concerned for all residents. Forget color but focus on the issues at large: poor living conditions, lack of positive role models, lack of mentor volunteers, and etc. We are all one race - the human race! Lets all work together. We are all trying to survive!

Joey Sellers

Hamlet