Facing Racism in a Diverse Nation
Two study circles met during September and October to discuss racism. Early in November, both groups came together to share findings. Participants agreed on the following action items:
1) Hold a church forum to continue the dialogue on racism in the faith community
2) Document customer service experiences of African Americans
3) Advocate for more diversity in local schools.
Recommendation to Name Virginia HS Basketball Court for Ballard Lee
On November 19, 2009, after the Racism dialogue, the Team unanimously passed the following motion: "The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial team recommends that the Virginia High School Basketball Court be named for Ballard Lee."
The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Team recommends wholeheartedly, that the Bristol Virginia School Board name the Virginia High School basketball court in honor of the deceased and former dedicated Bearcat coach, mentor and teacher, Ballard Lee.
Ballard Lee’s athletic prowess from grade school through college was almost equally matched by his earlier and later dedicated interest and actions in enriching and touching the lives of youth in the school and wider community. His calm demeanor and in-the-trenches wisdom has enriched numerous youth.
As a member of the U.S. Marine Corp during the Vietnam War, Ballard demonstrated his sincere love and respect for his country. He served with pride, unhesitatingly, even with the recognition and acknowledgement that “race relations in the Bristol area weren’t always the best when I was growing up”.