‘Negro’ was common word

Sun., Feb. 19, 2017

For the first time in a long time and recently in Leonard Pitt’s Feb. 2 editorial column, I read the word “Negro.” Pitts was referring to the “Negro National Anthem” and the strong emotions he feels from within when he hears that anthem.

For some reason, unknown to me, the word is seldom written or spoken in today’s society. I remember in 1963, Martin Luther King used the word “Negro” in his well-spoken and meaningful speech, “I Have a Dream.” He used the word no fewer than 12 times.

I can’t help but wonder if the word “Negro” was good enough for MLK back in 1963, why is it no longer good enough in 2017?

Gordon Spunich

Spokane Valley

Letters policy

The Spokesman-Review invites original letters on local topics of public interest. Your letter must adhere to the following rules:

No more than 250 words
We reserve the right to reject letters that are not factually correct, racist or are written with malice.
We cannot accept more than one letter a month from the same writer.
With each letter, include your daytime phone number and street address.
The Spokesman-Review retains the nonexclusive right to archive and re-publish any material submitted for publication.

Unfortunately, we don’t have space to publish all letters received, nor are we able to acknowledge their receipt. (Learn more.)

Submit letters using any of the following:

Our online form: Submit your letter here
Mail: Letters to the Editor
The Spokesman-Review
999 W. Riverside Ave.
Spokane, WA 99201
Email: editor@spokesman.com
Fax: (509) 459-3815
Phone: (509) 459-5430