Dear Dr. Bennie McMorris (and other Hampton University
administrators),
The great black protest tradition, I am happy to learn, is thriving
on your esteemed campus. The recent actions of several Hampton
students in leading a political walkout on campus do indeed honor
our people’s rich heritage of dissent amid national oppression and
injustice. Students from your great school have played a prominent
role in the history of black protest, especially during the
turbulent 1960s. I am gratified that the students of the current
generation are no less conscientious and committed than were many
of their predecessors. In the aftermath of the grave social
injustices that Hurricane Katrina revealed, and amid an illegal,
racist, imperialist war of aggression, it is the duty of young
intellectuals to forcefully and clearly demand justice. It is
inspiring that some of your students have so resolutely answered
this call.
I trust that you will not desecrate the memory of the black freedom
struggle by suppressing these young voices, voices that are needed
more desperately today than ever before. The free exchange of ideas
(especially dissenting ideas) is essential to the spirit of a great
learning institution, and I know Hampton to be such an institution.
Please allow me to express my unequivocal solidarity with the young
brothers and sisters of Hampton, and with their mature,
conscientious and honorable commitment to continuing the black
protest tradition without compromise or equivocation, even in the
face of threats and reprisal.
Sincerely yours,
Russell Rickford
Ph.D. Candidate,
Department of History
Columbia University
C0-signing this letter is Robin D. G. Kelley, Columbia University