Mayor Joines, Human Relations Commission Speak Out on Recent Noose Incidents

Human Relations Commission - Dec. 20, 2007
Contact: Wanda Allen-Abraha, 727-2429

The Human Relations Commission and the Office of the Mayor have received many comments from residents regarding the recent incidents involving noose hangings in the community. Many citizens perceive the display of a noose as degrading, dehumanizing, and reflecting a lack of sensitivity to the symbolism of the noose in American history.

"Winston-Salem is valued for its diversity and inclusiveness," said Mayor Allen Joines. "We certainly want everyone who resides in the city to share in the celebration of how far we have come in the city's collective social history. Anything contrary to uniting the community should be denounced."

Wanda Allen-Abraha, the Human Relations director, noted that the Human Relations Commission supports and encourages fair treatment and positive race relations between all people. "To this end, we must not forget the historical context of the significance of any suggestion of nooses," Allen-Abraha said. "Nooses remind Americans, particularly African-Americans, of the violent history of race relations in our country."

The 13 members of the Human Relations Commission believe that remedying this sort of lack of sensitivity falls squarely within the commission’s mission of building understanding across cultural, racial and other groups in our community. As a result, the commission recently sponsored and organized the "Jena 6 Forum: Lessons Learned" program, which was a partnership with those who traveled to Jena, La., in the wake of the noose hanging at Jena High School. The program provided a venue for residents to ask questions, learn, voice opinions, and understand the significance of the noose in our community.

The commission anticipates continuing to work with Joines and community partners to further understanding and dialogue based on racial sensitivity.