Champ's Response to Grady Abrams

November 2, 2007

Today, I write for the first time because Grady Abrams has attempted to convince blacks and whites that he loves everybody, and that I dislike him for being a good hearted, well-meaning and thoughtful Christian. I am a Christian and furthermore, I have attended theology school as well. However, it doesn't mean that the Holy Spirit has control over the lives of those who profess the faith. What I have genuinely learned is that we can tell a tree by the fruit it bears. Let's examine Grady’s fruit.

The “Black Moses” whom we have read about as of late would be taken seriously if he had been evenhanded in his discipline. This “Moses” has attempted to part the Savannah River, only to run the ‘Coloreds’ to another enemy far worst. He has eloquently presented his case before the “Powers that be,” and whether he intended to criticize the black leaders to gain favor or not he gave credence to their divide and conquer strategy. If this was not the case, why would he chose to use a medium (Augusta Chronicle) that has been a major source of racial divide and strife? I make my case in LOVE, knowing that those who are guilty will dismiss  accuracy and relish the ill-spoken rhetoric, that conceal the hurt that has festered in brother Abrams’ heart. In addition, I have never called Abrams an “Uncle Tom.”  I indicated that he needed to tell his story because many would not understand his biased attacks on black leadership. My points were easily developed and will stand the test of time.  After reading Brother Abrams self-righteous article, I stand even more convinced that he is indeed is “The Most Dangerous Black Man in Augusta.” Al Mason is another individual that I stated was dangerous; meaning he has the ability to influence people. In Abrams case, the verdict is still out on whether or not he represents a ‘good’ danger or a ‘bad’ danger. Some people would jump over Austin Rhodes to declare Ryan B. “The race baiter of the year,” while Walker ‘haters’ would cast their lot on Champ. When Abrams, a misguided, soft spoken, intelligent reformed evangelist for justice, whom many people hold in high esteem, speaks out of a broken heart, many overlook the obvious pain and offer sympathy. Consequently, those who respect brother Abrams, decline to rebuke him due to his past tribulations. How can ones' heart not long for a man who has been through the brushed fires of life? When a leader like Grady Abrams speaks everybody listens, but when his message is soaked in pain, dried in the memory of friends who left him standing alone, one must question his motives when the new message comes without warning, counsel nor tact. Wisdom, perhaps, would have summoned the black leaders to find out what was really on their heart. Instead, a blanket generalization was made that the black leaders were being racist rather than accommodating. Even he understands the nature of politics where one misquote, however innocent, is fair game for the opposing party. Surely he has seen negative advertising. We haven't heard a word from him dealing with white racism. Therefore, this newfound ideology that blacks are the problem, and when we stand up for an injustice we are wrong, must be taken with a gram of salt. The clever verbiage intended to mold him into peacemaker, one who unites and father figure is reminiscent of the colored preacher of old. While the Negro preacher was allowed to preach Christianity, he was restricted to preach the gospel of servitude. The slaves were taught to be submissive to their “massa” and read scriptures that focused on obeying “massa.” Just as the scriptures were used to manipulate and control the behavior of the slave, words from a leader such as Grady Abrams can have a devastating effect on the progress of a city trying to deal with racial indifference; especially, when whites and blacks of good conscience are growing, listening and are seeking common ground. I’m not implying that Mr. Abrams is a divider; however, the effect is the same. By addressing one part of the problem he does more harm than good.

Abrams was not forth coming in his "Uncle Tom 101" presentation. I admit it sounded great initially, but upon careful scrutiny of his statements, his words judged him. Remember, out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Instead of acknowledging that he was a milder, yet more astute version of Ryan B, he casually forgot to mention that he was a key figure in the riots. He, unlike Ryan B, has a broader audience and the people who perhaps killed his girlfriend, his nephew and best friend are sitting back saying “Dat’s a good ol' boy.” Abrams’ story when examined points to a man who has been mentally tortured by the strong arm of Southern racist oppressions, the memories of lost, and a notion that his people may not possess the coping mechanism to survive. He seems to be screaming, “don't you get it, they (whites) are in charge, let them do what they do, don't talk about it; play the game. They will beat you down. You can get more with honey than with vinegar.” Mr. Abrams that perhaps was the case when the letter went forth concerning Dave Barbee. However, when you decided to publish your thoughts, you insulted the very people you claim need counsel. Furthermore, it is evident this is a man who has also been treated badly by his own people. I too know of his experience, but what person of color hasn't?

Abrams’ tells people behind closed doors that he knows the white man is going to be the white man, and that they ought not to be surprised. He purports that they will not address the overt and covert racism as a whole.  Additionally, there are claims he is using shock treatment to get black people to take responsibility. Like one of my heroes, the illustrious Bill Cosby, he is making a mistake that most learned and accomplished leaders create. They forget how to relate and reason with their own. However well meaning they may be, the message of “Stop this and that” without acknowledging the pain and mistreatment of blacks falls upon deaf ears. It is only natural for people who are hurting to react to sharp criticism in a negative manner. Cosby, however, is weary of seeing young kids throwing away their lives, while Abrams seeks relief from the pain blacks have imposed upon him. I must say that he has been wounded; so much so, that he does not understand the negative impact of his one-sided attacks. We all must grow - black, white and brown. And just as a parent shows favoritism toward one child over another, when both siblings are wrong, the favored child is empowered and the other is left with a sense of inferiority and abandonment.

Abrams is speedily losing respect among black leaders, even those closest to him. Many cannot understand why he has awakened only to assault black leaders rather than heal. The transfiguration that I mention was important in terms of educating people as to why he believes in calling out black leaders only.  He admitted during an interview that he does not agree with whites as well. Nevertheless, he could not say why he has not challenged them. My question to him (then and now) is how can he expect black people to hear him when it is blatantly obvious that he is stretching the truth to make his point. He has repeatedly stated that blacks become angry when other blacks move to Columbia County. While that may be true, every facet he addresses has mitigating conditions that should be addressed. For some blacks, it is certainly not the norm. He is diligent in stereotyping and grouping all blacks as ignorant and envious. Yes, I agree, that as African Americans we have many issues. I speak volumes concerning Post-Traumatic Slavery Syndrome and its effect on people of color.

We cannot expect those who are hurting to listen to those who do not take the time to deal with their own issues. Abrams has failed to embrace the pain blacks collectively face because of his own pain. On my radio show, we cried together as he told of the horrific incident that led to killings and shared some documents that showed authorities setting up black officials back in the 1960's. He knows the ramifications of racism firsthand and I commended him for forgiving those who brought this travesty to him. It is bizarre and confusing, however, to see how he justifies dishing out tough LOVE to blacks but makes no mention of our white counterparts who continue to attack our leaders.

How can we respect a man who claims Christianity, yet doesn't display courage to stomp out racism regardless of color? It is with great interest to long-time Abrams supporters his choice to support Dave Barbee. He was wrong. Though Mayor Deke, the Boardmans and other whites were quick to reprimand Barbee, he blames the black Richmond County delegation for playing the race card. Among this diverse group of officials, we have conservatives whom you would think Grady would agree. Some would tag the black public officials as certified ‘Uncle Toms.’  While Abrams, in his feeble attempt to bash and point out the race baiters, showed his own prejudice.

Conservative whites view Abrams as a hero. They cheer him on and urge others to hop aboard the train of servitude. One man thanked Grady for his change in perspective. This individual stated, “I was on Grady’s trail as a law man (G-2).”  He declared that Grady was one of his main targets back then and that he was proud of Abrams. Grady has indeed become that which these racists have worked so hard to create. In his own words, a self- professed ‘Uncle Tom.’ Yes, not the Christian and principled character in the book “Uncle Tom's Cabin,” but one so gripped with pain who saves his oppressor; not because he loved him in a brotherly sense, but because he is afraid.  That is why he is dangerous.

For the record, Abrams did not tell the reader my only issue was that he had a greater responsibility to give his testimony (tell his story) before he talks of a change of heart. Abrams continual bashing of black leadership only says to many that he is confirming white oppression. Why? Once more, he has been ‘Missing in action’ on every important debate except those where black leadership has participated. How can we respect a man who will not admit that the 180-degree change is a bitter one rather than a Christ-led one? We know this to be evident because we see no justice, just color. For those of us who know the fruit of the spirit, we saw only bitter fruit. This fruit when eaten, makes one sick.

Ask me again, why I say “Abrams is the most dangerous black man in Augusta?” Although wrong, Ryan B's pain is expressed through his evenhanded attacks of both races. Abrams, on the other hand, is displaying intellectual dishonesty. In his own words, he admits that he does not know why he converted and now practices “The politics of accommodation.” What is fascinating, however, as a Christian, one would easily recognize the operation of the Holy Spirit in such a change of heart. His failure to acknowledge the inner workings of the Spirit to bring forth this newfound love for ALL men validates that his utterances are merely of no value.  Besides, while it sounds good, we must not be deceived. Abrams is hiding behind a conversion that he can't quite explain. This Sunday school teacher should know all too well the fundamental Bible lesson of where love starts. Finally, he says he does not care about Austin and all the racism he spews, but he cares about what we (blacks) do.

Friends, please excuse my ignorance. But if you are going to improve the lives of everyone, then deal with wrong regardless of color. Just because you speak against blacks under the guise of tough love does not relieve you of your duty to love everyone.

Mr. Abrams, whom I respect dearly, until you answer these questions, you are still “The most dangerous man in Augusta.” We can't hear you; your actions have spoken LOUDER than your words.

In love,

Champ Walker

See Grady Abrams letter below courtesy of the Augusta Chronicle

Another look at 'Uncle Tom' - beyond today's distorted perception

By Grady Abrams| Guest Columnist

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Of late, I have been the target of attacks by other blacks simply for upbraiding black members of the Richmond County legislative delegation, who I felt wrongfully accused Dave Barbee, then a white member of the Augusta Housing Authority, of playing race politics.

I touched on that big elephant in our own living room that we refuse to talk about - black racism.

Yes, I said black racism.

EVER SINCE MY guest column "Distractions and misunderstandings stunt community's growth" appeared in the Sept. 9 issue of The Augusta Chronicle, my loyalty to my race has been brought into question. I must admit, it is no surprise to me. Charles "Champ" Walker, a local radio talk show host and son of former state Sen. Charles Walker, says almost daily on his broadcast that I have disrespected the black community, and have earned the title of "the most dangerous black man in Augusta." He calls on me to explain to black people why I have changed from the politics I once practiced, especially during the 1960s and '70s, to today's politics of accommodation.

To be honest, I cannot say what happened. All I know is that one day I woke up and said to myself that this just does not make sense. How can we help solve the race problem when we ourselves are playing the race card and will not admit it?

Just as Harriet Beecher Stowe in her famous novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin, had the difficult task of showing the inconsistencies of practicing Christianity and owning slaves, I, too, have taken on the task of trying to show the inconsistencies in our own Christian practices. We claim to be the most forgiving of all people. However, it is getting harder and harder to find a forgiving heart among us when the perpetrator is white. Even men of the cloth, who are supposed to be examples of this virtue, find themselves caught up in the frenzy of getting even.

My column was about fairness and forgiveness, not about race per se. I was pointing out that the very thing we pride ourselves in doing - forgiving - was slipping past us just to get the opportunity to get even. There is no greater virtue than that of forgiveness. And this is required of the victim.

My willingness to accept Dave Barbee's explanation concerning the e-mail he wrote to the Boardmans got me a membership in one of the most dreaded clubs in the black community - the "Uncle Tom" club. However, that does not bother me now. Like the Rev. Martin Luther King, I have been to the mountaintop. And I am trying to bring others there, too, so that they can see the whole picture, so to speak. Right now, many of my brothers and sisters have only a limited view living in the past.

"Uncle Tom" name-calling has gotten a lot of attention. This phenomena happens when blacks side with whites on an issue or issues that blacks feel they should not. Stowe portrays a Negro named Tom as a loyal servant to his master who put his master's wishes ahead of his own. In other words, he lives his Christian faith through his works, and it had nothing to do with the treatment he received from his masters. He never came down to their level.

OVER THE YEARS, the character "Uncle Tom" - as he appears and how she wanted him to be seen in the context in which he lived - has all but disappeared from the pages of this great novel. Some now see Tom as a pitiful person who is weak as a man, ready and willing to side with his white "master" just to get along - and sometimes to get ahead at the expense of his black brethren.

Truth be told, Tom was a man of principle. In Uncle Tom's Cabin, he saved the life not only of a little white girl but also the lives of two black women who had run away from their master, Simon Legree. Rather than lie about their escape, Tom - after receiving lashings from Legree and a flogging from Sambo, another slave - says, "Mas'r, if you was sick, or in trouble or dying and I could save ye, I'd give ye my heart's blood; and if taking every drop of blood in this poor old body would save your precious soul, I'd give'em freely, as the Lord gave His for me. O Mas'r! Do not bring this great sin on your soul! It will hurt you more that 'twill me! Do the worst you can, my troubles'll be over soon; but if ye don't repent, yours won't never end."

Tom died being an "Uncle Tom." He did not complain. He did not lift a hand. He did not rebel or run away. He was cursed and slapped. All of this after being a loyal, trustworthy, hardworking, contented slave. In spite of this, he kept his integrity. This is key. He was loyal, not only to his master, but to his Master, the Lord. Tom epitomized what is preached in sermons each and every Sunday: to love our enemies, whether they are black or white; to bless them that curse us; to do good to them that hate us; and to pray for them that despitefully use us and persecute us.

Since Uncle Tom's Cabin, Tom has been portrayed in caricatures that are very different from what Stowe had in mind. In movies, Toms are portrayed as happy, passive servants. Sidney Poitier, a black leading actor, seemed to have had roles that were sacrificial and submissive. In advertising for products such as Cream of Wheat, Uncle Remus Syrup and Aunt Jemima Grits, blacks are shown in a disparaging way. Sadly, we have bought into these images, which have very little to do with the virtues of the original "Uncle Tom."

YES, CHAMP and others may be asking who I am. I am an "Uncle Tom" - an original one. I love people, black and white, even those who despitefully use me. How else can I claim the Christian doctrine? It is one of not an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth, but rather one of forgiveness. That is what I am about.

The writer is a retired labor relations manager from Bechtel Savannah River Inc.

From the Sunday, October 28, 2007 edition of the Augusta Chronicle

Reader Comments

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Here, here! You're not alone. Anyone who stands for ending the stuff spewed by many gets called this. I call you a man, a gentleman and a Christian. Bless you!

Posted by GACopperhead on Sun Oct 28, 2007 5:03 AM

Wonderful article! No more said! I'm with you on this one! God bless and keep up the good work!

Posted by nextstep on Sun Oct 28, 2007 5:21 AM

Mr Abrams represents the type of thinking any community would be proud to follow. This well written article proves the point. The fact that Champ Walker disagrees with and insults Mr. Abrams should be a badge of honor and a high recommendation. What kind of fool would ever want to be known as someone in agreement with "Champ"?

Posted by patriciathomas on Sun Oct 28, 2007 6:08 AM

He comes Gagirl and justus4

Posted by GACopperhead on Sun Oct 28, 2007 6:20 AM

Racism, whether it is white on black or black on white, is the single greatest obstacle preventing progress in our area of the state and country. Mr. Abrams words are refreshing because he is willing to write about a truth that most blacks prefer to ignore. Hopefully, in the days and years to come, more people will stand up for the truth so we can put race behind us as a political and personal consideration for decision making. Mr. Abrams apparently practices his Christian convictions regardless of whether or not it affects his popularity. His public record is one of leadership, and he continues to lead by example. For this he is to be commended.

Posted by jamesnewsome on Sun Oct 28, 2007 7:20 AM

I loved his message. Truly there is but one race. You are either a human being ..or you are not. God bless you Mr Abrams.

Posted by 1957 on Sun Oct 28, 2007 7:24 AM

An article well written and well said!!

Posted by getalife on Sun Oct 28, 2007 7:50 AM

He should Be on the Augusta Commission!! He's got my vote!!!

Posted by worriedboutdafuture on Sun Oct 28, 2007 7:52 AM

Let's hear it for the US millitary and the ever increasing success of the troop surge! No US or Iraqi casualties for nearly 2 weeks now.

Posted by JohnRandalphHardisonCain on Sun Oct 28, 2007 7:58 AM

This is the best article in the paper or anywhere I've read. This man truly has his head on right. we need more people of his character. BLACK & WHITE.

Posted by Captain Augustus McCray on Sun Oct 28, 2007 8:09 AM

Well written, well put, well said, well done. Right on target --- a bullseye. Are you running for office, Mr. Abrams? Because if you are, you certainly have my vote.

Posted by Dawn on Sun Oct 28, 2007 8:57 AM

I wonder if Champ or his cohort Ryan B. will respond to this one. I am glad that Mr. Abrams wrote this article and hope that African-Americans take it to heart. For too long we have wanted to have it both ways and if we want to have a unified community we are all going to have to work together for the greater good. I am going to share this with my coworkers and family members. Now all we have to do is start practicing this with everyone.

Posted by 3gifts on Sun Oct 28, 2007 8:58 AM

amen!

Posted by TIRED OF THE WHINING on Sun Oct 28, 2007 9:03 AM

As I have said before, Grady Abrams is one of my heroes. I mentioned him to my parents last week, in the context that he is one of my local heroes and told them a little bit about him and the letters to the paper he has written over the years. This letter must have been forming in his mind at that time. He has my utmost respect. God bless him and his family. I do hope that one day we will have more of our diverse community represented on the commission than just black and white. We have so many races in the CSRA, but it appears to be only black and white on the commission. That seems a bit unfair, doesn't it/ Also somewhat, dare I say, boring.

Posted by baroness on Sun Oct 28, 2007 10:18 AM

Abrams is being intellectually dishonest. Tom was, in fact a very principled, smart, compassionate slave in "Cabin." But thats because he had knowledge of "peace" and recognized his plight. Abrams mentioned Tom's saving the white girl, but keep in mind that didn't change his economical position. He's still a slave. This attitude by blks to trust/save whitey demonstrates to me, that this blk guy cannot be trusted. His decision to give cover to whitey, is directly responsible for many of our issues. He should've condemn the e-mail/remarks and held Barbee accountable. To run to his aid was indefensible, because remember (Tom in "Cabin" did not change his plight by saving a white) Abrams denial of that fact, speaks to his failure to recognize historical facts: Yes, blacks are prejudice, but not racist because prejudice is an individual emotion that humans work to control, however, a racist is actively working to DO harm to those considered unequal. And African Americans have hanged NO whites, established NO laws restricting whites' travel, NOT violated every right of humanity thru slavery. And so, the article's theme is flawed and whats more regretable, so is the writer.

Posted by justus4 on Sun Oct 28, 2007 10:19 AM

Tell me this...how does "Champ" even have an audience, when Mr. Abrams is here to present a different viewpoint?

Posted by johnsmith on Sun Oct 28, 2007 10:21 AM

But refering to European Americans as "whitey" is perfectly ok.... I get it. Hypocrite.

Posted by _kpc_ on Sun Oct 28, 2007 10:34 AM

Actively fighting to ensure that blacks get more points toward college admission is the exact racism you speak of.

Posted by _kpc_ on Sun Oct 28, 2007 10:36 AM

Blacks have murdered whites, robbed whites and raped whites as much as "whitey" has oppressed the blacks, or "blacky" as Justus likes to put it

Posted by steveo on Sun Oct 28, 2007 10:36 AM

Gee, justus4...how come you have the only dissenting opinion here?One reason: you are living in the past and not looking at solutions to current day problems, which is the ONLY thing we have control over. Mr. Abrams is on the money with his wonderfully written column. As for you, justus4, it's backwards thinking like yours that will only hurt your "cause." Whites AND blacks are getting tired of it, so remember, everytime you write your one-sided opinions you are glorifying exactly what you are fighting against :racism.Your 'whitey" references are just another example of you being full of hate, but some humans, like you, have to have to blame others for their shortcomings...or lack of success in life.

Posted by CSRA Business on Sun Oct 28, 2007 10:40 AM

To offer a job to/try to help darky, Is why some whites can't be trusted.

Posted by steveo on Sun Oct 28, 2007 10:41 AM

"African Americans have hanged NO whites." That statement is either grossly missinformed, or just a bald face lie.

Posted by _kpc_ on Sun Oct 28, 2007 10:51 AM

Justus4, go back in your closet and never come out. You are a product of what is wrong today. You hold todays generation responsible for what went on in the 1800's. The white and black people of today had no dealings in what went on then. Give it a rest. People like Mr. Abrams are smart and have moved on with their lives. They took opportunities available and made somethin of themselves and have the respect of all smart people. You on the other had always want to blame "whitey" for all your problems. Start thinking like Mr. Abrams and maybe you life would be better and you would be a little happier.

Posted by Denali123 on Sun Oct 28, 2007 10:52 AM

Meaning no disrespect to justus4 or anyone else, but I must resprectfully disagree with some of the comments he posted which are historically inaccurate. I do not personally know of any instance in which blacks hanged a white person, but I do know of several instances in which blacks have harmed one (or more) white people because they were white. I believe that would be considered "actively working to do harm to those considered unequal," since those white people would not have been harmed if they had been black. That is your own definition of racism. And it is also quite untrue that black people did "NOT violate every right of humanity through slavery." Antebellum Louisiana had the highest number of les gens couleur libre (the free people of color) in the country and many of these were business and plantation owners and were slaveowners, sellers and traders. Black people in Africa also made war on rival villages, took the captives, sold them to Arabs and white slavetraders and shipped them to America for profit. This is how slavery in America began. Don't take my word for it; historical facts are easy to verify.

Posted by Dawn on Sun Oct 28, 2007 10:52 AM

Mr Abrams knows the word of God as evidenced by his emphasis on Christ's key doctorines. #1FORGIVENESS :Matt.18:22-35. (Especially verse 35.) #2 CONTENT:Hebrews 13:5. "... be content with such things as you have. #3 LOVE: John 15:13. "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." Mr. Grady Abrams is a man seeking God's truth & wisdom regardless of the world. While Champ prays everyday asking God to show him "how to pray." I say, "read Psalms 66:18." "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:" If you don't know how to pray by now ... well, your iniquities are seperating you from the descipleship & rightousness of God. Go to Mr. Abrams with love & humility, embrace him with a Christian love and follow his example for HE IS FOLLOWING CHRIST. Grady, I thank God for a man with your spiritual discernment and bringing to light what others deny.

Posted by pofwe on Sun Oct 28, 2007 10:55 AM

Don't trifle him with facts.

Posted by _kpc_ on Sun Oct 28, 2007 10:56 AM

okay, justus4, so the black neighbor that is telling their children (pointing at my children) not to play with those white children because they hang black people, is not racist? The black neighbors who yell racist slurs at me like white cracker, white m.f., honky, white a** b*tch, white sl*t, and worse, then shot at my house, threatened me, killed and injured my pets, trespassed on my property, vandalized my house, mailbox and car, stole many of my possessions, slandered my name, and ran off all my other white or mixed race neighbors, are not racist, nor are they trying to harm us? Well, they sure had me fooled. I guessed I moved away to a safer neighborhood for nothing?

Posted by baroness on Sun Oct 28, 2007 10:56 AM

However, justus4 was quite right about one thing: no black person ever established a law restricting whites' travel. The point of Mr. Abrams' editorial seems to have been missed, though. What he was trying to say was that it is wrong for anyone of any race to be either racist or prejudiced based on skin color, and that it is counterproductive to hang on to the past and not forgive wrongs. This is contrary to Christian ethics. The Uncle Tom character --- a fictional character, not a historical one --- understood Christ's message of love your enemies, love those who hate you, bless those who curse you, forgive those who are not sorry to have hurt you, and turn the other cheek. That was what Mr. Abrams was trying to say. A grudge is a heavy burden to carry around. Anger is burdensome too. Hate is worst of all. So stop being angry at white people, or anyone else for that matter, because God won't forgive your sins if you won't forgive others' sins against you. "Forgive us our trespasses AS we forgive those who trespass against us." God bless you and I will pray for your spiritual healing.

Posted by Dawn on Sun Oct 28, 2007 11:01 AM

I hate to say it but justus4 is so full of hate & unforgiveness that he cannot enter into the "Kingdom of God," with a heart like that. Sorry for my sentiment but, ...I'm glad. I do pray for God to change his mind & heart therefore delivering him from Satan. If it's God's will.

Posted by pofwe on Sun Oct 28, 2007 11:10 AM

I live in what some would call a salt and pepper neighborhood, a little more pepper than salt. The endless "justifications" of justus4 are prevalent here also, especially after dark. My experience here and in other places has been that such a negative attitude is toned down only when blacks know they are in the minority numbers. However that does not change how they really feel. In Augusta/RC blacks are the majority population and the positive attitude displayed and so well written by Grady Abrams are in the minority, older, 50+ black demographic. They should be the most influential for the younger generation but they are often "Uncle Tommed" by them and even some of their peers.

Posted by mgroothand on Sun Oct 28, 2007 12:13 PM

Grady, I am so proud of you. You have changed as a man of your intelligence should. You may not remember me but I worked undercover for G-2 during the tumultious period in Augusta and you were one of my primary targets as a leader. I am distinctly proud of Mr. AbraMS NOW. We need your kind of leadership to stamp out the fear and intimidation of the Walkers, Sharptons and jacksons whose idea of leadership is perpetual dissention among the races. Their type of leadership depends on it. Please give some thought to coming out and helping to put Augusta BACK on the right track. Tommie Gulley

Posted by tgulleyjazz on Sun Oct 28, 2007 12:32 PM

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