Walhalla leaders tune in to minority community members

The listening session lasted under one hour, but it was long enough for Walhalla’s elected leaders to hear what it’s like to be a minority in a pre-dominantly white city.  Nine different speakers, most of them from Walhalla or nearby, expressed their thoughts as the city takes the unprecedented step to form a diversity and inclusion committee that’ll give voice where there has been little or no.  And, for that, the mayor and council were commended for the action that followed several nights of protest and counter protest over the W. Main Street Civil War memorial.  Mayor Edwards said whether there will be a decision on whether the memorial stays or is re-located is a matter, because of state law, is left to the state General Assembly, and he requested that tonight’s meeting not turn into a debate about that.  Nevertheless, two speakers said they want the memorial re-located to a museum where its history can be honored.  Walhalla is home to a small African-American population.  That was addressed by city resident African-American Martha Wright, who once ran for the city council.  The city leaders tonight also heard from others who say it’s important for Walhalla to improve its relations with those residents who are homosexual and those of Native American descent.  And it was further stressed that the membership of the city committee should reflect a diverse population.  Walhalla officials are encouraging city residents and those who live in the immediate area to apply for membership.  The committee has not yet been appointed.