
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, March 17, 1991                   TAG: 9103190392
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: B-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

THREE MIRACLES WITHIN A MONTH

DURING February, the month when we observed Black History Week during February, I witnessed three major miracles. I had the pleasure of being a part of them.

Our "Keeping the Dream Alive" parade in Salem brought joy to people of all races, religions, and social backgrounds, due to the active participation of the Salem High School and Andrew Lewis Middle School marching bands, and the support of Dr. Wayne Tripp, Salem school superintendent, and Mayor Jim Taliaferro.

The Roanoke Times & World-News held a luncheon to get input from two Roanoke Valley activists: Connie Bumbrey, a resident of Lincoln Terrace Apartments for more than 30 years, and myself, who loves Salem and this valley with a passion. It is encouraging to know you are interested in knowing the facts about minorities in your publication area.

I was able to observe the role of black men and women in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm: the leadership shown by Colin Powell, the first black chief of staff, and the bravery and attitude of by the black sailors, soldiers, and Marines as they carried out their duties. To see them give the "high five" sign on the battlefield, the same sign they gave on the football field and basketball court, filled my heart with joy.

I really hope these 100 days will erase the old tired ideas that minorities are lazy and unpatriotic, and lack the ability to lead. On the other hand, I hope blacks and minorities will realize where we are now, and where we came from. God bless America, especially the Roanoke Valley. EMERSON H. GILMER SALEM

by CNB