To the Editor:
Reading the newspaper can be both interesting and rewarding. A closer look at the “Front Page” allows one to further differentiate articles above and below the fold. Because of the position of articles relating to the Randolph & McCulloch Complex in the MVT on Thursday, the 24th it was particularly interesting and worthwhile to scan other articles. The top story above the fold that day was on Tipp City and their Council’s flexibility in taking a historic building and converting it into a commercial business housing a Pizzeria at taxpayer expense in making it an attraction and providing what I also refer to as “a place of refuge and hospitality” not unlike the effort at the Randolph & McCulloch Complex. I wonder in saving and promoting the historic Benkin Building if there will be any reference to exclusion and privilege as Tipp City having been a sundown town.
Also above the fold is an article about business expansion of a Minster Boutique to Piqua. And what might be the “historical” connection to the R & Complex? In 1846 Minister was part of Mercer County and its residents were a party to The Resolution ‘banning the expansion’ of the Randolph Freedmen as neighbors to their community. But their rights and liberty allow for its citizenry to move freely unencumbered and occupy positions of leadership within our community.
On page six is the motherlode of historically contextual information. The Old Money foundations motivated by contemporary service models, in advocacy of collaboration with Christian support and sponsorship are depicted. There is a convergence of articles in association with the recognition of mentorship, service and funding connected to Scouting. “On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.” Here is a link to examine what is professed and sworn to in contrast to the hard historical realities of truth. But I’m hopeful that Churches and Christian organizations like the YMCA that reflect those realities can come together and offer a joint effort in extending ownership identity to those laid to rest but without markers in the African/Jackson Cemetery in Rossville.
Link: https://aaregistry.org/story/the-african-american-boy-scout-movement-a-story/
This is the kind of historical research and investigative journalism newspapers could offer but often won’t.
— Larry Hamilton
Piqua
