Is a color-blind society (Jan. 4 editorial) a reasonable or attainable goal? We hide behind this because we feel powerless as individuals to effect significant change. We can, however, make headway within our own circle. It will never be known how many or few rejected Carl Gipson for membership into the Elks. That is history.

In the ’50s, a black gentleman had a two-chair shoeshine business near Wetmore on Hewitt Avenue. We often talked about current issues, including race. I opined that the passage of time would be the solution. His question to me was “How long do you think I should wait?” At that time, I resolved that I would speak or act as I could to unite us as people. Sure, a small step, but a step.

GARY GRIFFITH

Everett