It is not surprising that some people have expressed resistance to the events scheduled on the Aug. 6 anniversary of the triple lynching in Salisbury in retaliation for the murder of a Rowan County family. To acknowledge violence in our community is disturbing, even when the violence happened long ago.

I encourage those who are bewildered by or opposed to remembering what happened in 1906 to come to the community program Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Civic Center and to the service of truth, healing and reconciliation at the intersection of North Long and Gillespie Streets at 5 p.m. Bring your reservations with you, but evaluate these events for what they are rather than for what you hear or imagine them to be.

Also, I want the community to know that Dr. Claude Clegg and Dr. Seth Kotch of UNC-Chapel Hill are participating in these events at the invitation of local citizens. They did not initiate these activities. They are receiving no compensation for their time and no reimbursement for the expenses they incur. No promotions, book signings or sales were offered or arranged. These men are guests. I trust our community will treat them as such.

I am grateful to all those who will be participating in the Aug. 6 events and to the many more who were instrumental in planning them.

— Barrie Kirby

Salisbury