Rev. Dwight A. Moody, Ph.D. (St. Simons Island, GA) - June 26, 2020

To the editor:

I am a resident of Glynn County, Georgia (where three white men are awaiting trial for the murder of Ahmaud Arbery). But I was raised in Murray. My dad was a minister at First Baptist Church, the same church that ordained me to gospel ministry in 1977.

I grew up around the square, delivering papers for the Ledger & Times, collecting payment from merchants on all four sides, and marching in a parade with the Murray High School band.

I know the Confederate statue well. I add my name to those calling for its removal. Let’s be part of a global movement to affirm the dignity of all people and reject the glorification of racism, violence and rebellion against the United States.

There are many people from Murray whose statue would better represent the values and histories of the county. Appoint a commission to solicit nominations for one or more replacements.

As the Bible says, “Give honor to whom honor is due”!

Rev. Dwight A. Moody, Ph.D.

St. Simons Island, Georgia

The foregoing was a "Letter to the Editor" submitted to and printed by the Murray Ledger & Times. The entry has not been edited and is presented as it was printed on the date listed with the entry.

From June 5, 2020, through Sept. 30, 2021, the Murray Ledger & Times printed 50 "Letters to the Editor" related to Murray's Confederate monument. Those 50 letters were written by 38 different people; and of those individuals, 22 were in favor of relocating the monument, 11 wrote in support of it remaining in its present location and five did not take a clear stance on either side. The letter above is part of a collection curated by The Sentinel to provide an overview of the sentiments expressed.