On June 12, Lamar Watkins entered the U.S Post Office branch at 484 Main St. to check his mail box and noticed what appeared to be a hangman’s noose, dangling from a display of stars-and-striped top hats in the employee section, but in clear view of customers.
Stunned that one of the most powerful hate symbols targeting African-Americans would be so casually displayed in a federal building, Mr. Watkins, in an email to the local chapter of the NAACP, said he confronted a postal worker and asked for an explanation.
“I asked the worker … if he knew what it represented, and he looked at me and acted as if he didn’t hear me.”
In fact, the apparent noose, which was photographed by Mr. Watkins, remained in place for 15 more days.
It wasn’t until Charles Jackson, an NAACP official, visited the office and demanded its removal that it was taken down, and then only reluctantly, according to Mr. Jackson.
“I asked the clerk if the noose could be removed, and he said yes, but no one moved to remove it,” he said, adding that he had to specify that it be done immediately.
Hate needs ‘cancel’ in postal branch
Some of the comments are based on ignorance and prejudice. Walk in my shoes and then maybe you can talk. Sensitivity–seriously. Knowledge and education are key factors in understanding. Study and learn American History. Because my history is your history. Maybe then will you understand the meaning of the “noose”.PRAYING FOR. ALL WHO DON’T HAVE OR LACK KNOWLEDGE!
These comments about being overly sensitive or too PC-focused are unbelievable. Are Northerners so apathetic and sedated that we don’t “get it?” Or is it that some of us choose to turn away? You ARE aware that people-of-color are STILL being lynched and targeted in this country, aren’t you? Or does that simply not matter unless it’s someone you know.
Are blacks the only one’s that have been hung by a noose?
poor Susie, ignorance is bliss, I stole that from the matrix.
@Susie…Just who are “these people”??
Way too much PC demanded by minorities
I thought it was a warning to horse thieves;
At no time is it appropriate to display a noose. I do not care if it is in a Post Office or a business. Just display of a noose is intimidation to all of the employees, and customers, not just the blacks. This display of a noose was a warning to everyone that entered that Post Office lobby. The manager of this lobby area, and the managers directly above that manager should be fired!
Too sensitive there. It was probably a threat to the employees that if they didn’t kiss the right ass that was on the horizon
Probably another Republican showing his true feelings on race.
These people are way too sensitive. It’s not all about them.