Letter: Garcia is trying to heal wounds

Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2000 | 9:46 a.m.

I believe that Garcia's mistake is more due to a lack of understanding the dynamics of the Las Vegas culture. He was apparently not made aware that former Superintendent Brian Cram and his administration were accused (and rightly so) of subtle racism for the last 10 years.

Garcia's use of the N-word pushed that hot button in the black community, unleashing a backlash of criticism. Garcia inherited this mess with little knowledge of the powder keg upon which he was sitting.

The fact that Garcia is attempting to heal these deep wounds should be appreciated by the community.

Nevada was once called the Mississippi of the West because of its history of racism, especially against blacks and especially in Las Vegas. That stigma has not left this community for the black people who have lived here or grew up here.

Let's not forget the race riots at the local high schools during Kenny Guinn's tenure as superintendent. Let's not forget the insensitive remarks made by Claude Perkins, the first black superintendent in Nevada, against Hispanics and special education students. During these times, sitting School Board members did not take formal action against a superintendent.

Even the black religious and political leader Rev. Jesse Jackson is ready to forgive and forget.

GLENN E. NELSON