Audience implored to “Pass the Torch”

Seneca’s first in-person Black History Luncheon in three years proceeded, under the theme “Pass the Torch”.  Luncheon moderator Shelby Henderson said, in three years, too many lives were lost, primarily to COVID-19.  She explained this year’s theme reflects the urgent need for members of the local African-American community to try to make a lasting contribution by leaving a record of important events in their lives – the lives of many whose early years weathered segregation.  At the lectern Friday, Henderson lamented the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis.  Horrific as it was for the country’s race relations, Henderson said, it sparked in Seneca a commitment to improve. And city government is better today, Henderson said, in part, to the resolve of Scott Moulder, the city administrator, to work toward a better balance of employees between whites and blacks.  Of Moulder, her boss, Henderson said, “He gets it.”  And the luncheon audience reacted favorably with applause.