I appreciate the renewed attention on our community's historical figures and the dialogue it inspires. I recognize that slavery was a profoundly tragic part of America's past and that individuals such as James Blair were involved in practices now considered reprehensible. At the same time, I believe it is essential to view such figures within the broader context of their time.
James Blair made significant contributions, including his role in founding the College of William and Mary, which played an important part in shaping Colonial Virginia. I understand that many in our community feel that celebrating these contributions without fully addressing the darker aspects of his legacy may unintentionally promote a narrative that overlooks the harm caused by systems like slavery.
For me, the challenge lies in embracing the complexity of our shared history rather than reducing a historical figure solely to one aspect of his life. "...the name of a slave holder who was one of the founders of William & Mary." We must balance the recognition of past achievements with an honest appraisal of past injustices, acknowledging that modern values have evolved over time and now offer us a new perspective on the legacies of those who shaped our early society.
I believe that by engaging in open and respectful dialogue, we can honor the progress we have made while ensuring that our interpretations of history remain both honest and inclusive. Ultimately, this conversation is not about erasing history or condemning individuals entirely, it is about understanding the full tapestry of our past and using that knowledge to guide us toward a more just future.
I look forward to proposals made for an alternative name to James Blair Middle School.
I thought the woke nonsense was done. I don't think the school should be renamed until William and Mary is renamed. king William of Sandwich's family, including him, we're notorious Slave Ship owners and used their ships to transport thousands of slaves to the US.
The now annual double digit increases of the County and Schools budgets is not sustainable. I know many of us are struggling out here, my real estate taxes have increased nearly $1500 over the last two years. The County cut recycling and we now pay again for that service, the Tommy Tax, increased permit fees, a cigarette tax implemented the last few years, building new unneeded facilities, investing millions annually in money losing ventures, when is enough enough. The budgets for the schools and the county have far outpaced inflation.
I appreciate the renewed attention on our community's historical figures and the dialogue it inspires. I recognize that slavery was a profoundly tragic part of America's past and that individuals such as James Blair were involved in practices now considered reprehensible. At the same time, I believe it is essential to view such figures within the broader context of their time.
James Blair made significant contributions, including his role in founding the College of William and Mary, which played an important part in shaping Colonial Virginia. I understand that many in our community feel that celebrating these contributions without fully addressing the darker aspects of his legacy may unintentionally promote a narrative that overlooks the harm caused by systems like slavery.
For me, the challenge lies in embracing the complexity of our shared history rather than reducing a historical figure solely to one aspect of his life. "...the name of a slave holder who was one of the founders of William & Mary." We must balance the recognition of past achievements with an honest appraisal of past injustices, acknowledging that modern values have evolved over time and now offer us a new perspective on the legacies of those who shaped our early society.
I believe that by engaging in open and respectful dialogue, we can honor the progress we have made while ensuring that our interpretations of history remain both honest and inclusive. Ultimately, this conversation is not about erasing history or condemning individuals entirely, it is about understanding the full tapestry of our past and using that knowledge to guide us toward a more just future.
I look forward to proposals made for an alternative name to James Blair Middle School.
I thought the woke nonsense was done. I don't think the school should be renamed until William and Mary is renamed. king William of Sandwich's family, including him, we're notorious Slave Ship owners and used their ships to transport thousands of slaves to the US.
The now annual double digit increases of the County and Schools budgets is not sustainable. I know many of us are struggling out here, my real estate taxes have increased nearly $1500 over the last two years. The County cut recycling and we now pay again for that service, the Tommy Tax, increased permit fees, a cigarette tax implemented the last few years, building new unneeded facilities, investing millions annually in money losing ventures, when is enough enough. The budgets for the schools and the county have far outpaced inflation.