Dear Editor:
This letter is written in response to an article in The Clarksdale Press Register’s Oct. 2, 2019, edition
entitled “Jacob suggests names for new Clarksdale stadium.”
I am quite curious about the makeup of the constituency that Michael Jacob referenced in his article as
to what names should grace the stadium, the field house, and the field.
I am also curious about where was this constituency when the superintendent, assistant superintendent,
faculty, staff student body and community supporters walked the streets o Clarksdale every Saturday for
six (6) weeks to garner community support for the bond issue.
I am very curious as to why the constituency that worked so diligently to pass the bond issue was not
contacted by Michael Jacob for suggestions for names to be placed on the facility.
Finally, I am curious as to what responsibility does Mr. Jacob feel that we have to those who worked
untiringly to get the bond issue passed and to the students who now matriculate in the Clarksdale
Municipal School District (CMSD) to honor people who demographically reflect them.
I feel that we have that responsibility.
Mr. Jacob referenced the hard work and accomplishments of the three men and I concur; however,
there were men and women of color who stood beside them, worked as diligently as they did,
accomplished as much, and continue to work to ensure the success of the CMSD even today.
How can we reasonably overlook them?
I urge the decision makers to use sound judgment in assigning a name or names to the new facility, and I
respectfully request that a very strong effort be made to inquire of the concerned citizens who worked
so diligently to pass the bond issue as to whose name (s) should be memorialized.
Sincerely,
Josephine Pradia Rhymes
