A Open Letter to Byron Brooks

 
The recent controversy regarding the Dubsdread Golf COurse of a black caddie, has generated many responses.  We offer this one here:

Byron, I’m disappointed that you did not agree the picture should be in a museum, although a part of me believes your employer dictated your belief.  It is a beautiful picture of the times however, I doubt there are similar pictures on any public owned golf course in the nation.  This is because such a picture belongs in a museum.  If similar pictures hang in public golf courses in this nation, I doubt there is as much diversity there as it is here in Orlando.

I will never return to this course as long as that picture hangs there.  I will use the facts of this circumstance at every opportunity as the perfect example of how subtle and institutional racism is still promoted in our city government.  The Fox 35 story with the reporter taking off his cowboy boots and putting barefoot, saying the child was barefoot because he could not afford shoes was unbelievable and promoted the subtle racism behind the hanging of the picture.

Despite how many colleagues (white and black) that agree with my analysis, they are too scared to speak up.  The imagery in that picture is more offensive to many of these folks than flaunting the confederate flag.  The historical value of both is appreciated and should be preserved in a museum.

I have no doubt that picture will become a campaign issue in the next mayoral election. It’s speaks of one’s values, humanity, inclusion, and judgment.  Accordingly, I ask you to relay my sentiment to the Mayor.   It’s my belief this decision was more Comm. Lynum retaliation than common sense concern for the sentiment of young professional Blacks and Whites who would rather not be revisited with this imagery when playing at their public golf course.  It’s time we start looking forward, we can always look back at our past when we visit a museum of history.