I write this today to implore the members of the Selma City Council to refrain from writing a letter of apology to the National League of Cities for the unscrupulous actions of people in Denver, who, apparently, know very little about Selma.

An apology is usually rendered to admit guilt and to say that one is sorry. An apology may also be submitted in defense of one’s ideas or actions. Neither the mayor nor the Selma City Council issued a proclamation or legislation that sanctioned the leaflets that were passed out to League members.

Therefore, it is not incumbent upon our local republic to address the actions of those who overtly and covertly contrive to care this city to a size they can comfortably control.

I am certain that your visitors’ packets provided much information about Denver and the gold-rush state of Colorado. A perusal of that material would indicate that Selma and Denver are as much alike as they are different. Denver elected its first black mayor in 1991, although blacks comprised only about 5 percent of the total population. He served for 12 years.

A Hispanic mayor preceded him. Hispanics comprise more than 20 percent of the total population.

According to 2000 Census data, the per capita income for whites in Denver is $29,475. It was $16,786 for blacks. There is a $12,689 disparity in per capita incomes. The per capita for Hispanics, Denver’s largest minority, was only $11,990.

In Selma, the per capita income for whites was $21,261. Per capita income for blacks was $9,625, resulting in a difference of $11,636.

Several reports in the Colorado media suggest that hate groups and “destructive” cults are on the rise in the state. The massacre at Columbine, shootings and hostage taking at Platte Canyon High School and the shootings at Deer Creek Middle School, suggest that one cannot be at ease in Colorado anymore than one can be so in Selma.

The aforementioned disparities in Denver and Selma existed long before Mayor George Evans was elected, the Rev. Cecil Williamson became president of the council, or folks in Denver decided that justice in Selma was more important than justice and economic parity in their domicile.

I am always criticized by people who were no more than petty thieves, second-rate gangsters and absent daddies, when I give my points of view. However, I did my own marching for justice and owe civil rights wanna-be’s in this town absolutely nothing.

I implore you, those elected officials of this city, to find honorable ways to settle your differences and move our city forward with a sincere effort to raise the quality of life for all our citizens.

The problems we face did not begin on your watch and will not likely be solved on your watch. However, we must all have the courage to speak the truth and do good things for all people.

Consider a “Cross the Bridge” campaign, targeting your colleagues who were in Denver. Find volunteers, especially retired people who grew up in Selma and love their fair city, and train them to be great greeters when we know that visitors are coming.

Don’t be afraid to discuss the challenges we face with unemployment and underemployment. Work with school officials to educate our children, partnering with their parents and guardians to develop a holistic approach to education.

Let our visitors take a trip to our past as they move through the new Voting Rights Interpretive Center or the National Voting Rights Museum, the Old Depot Museum, Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church and the many other historic sites.

Let them see our future by watching us walk in unity with the understanding our destiny will not be derailed by our differences.

I do not know everything we must do. However, I do know what you must not do. Do not apologize. This city has been a blessing to others. Now bless us with your leadership knowing that there are more for you than against you.

Joseph Rembert Sr.

Selma