To the Editor:

I must say that one of the more prouder moments in recent memory came after reading Rosa Lawrence’s letter to the editor (“Letter writer does not speak for the black community,” July 31).

I have never met Ms. Lawrence, but as someone who has spent most of his boyhood and much of his adult life in Franklin, I do know that it took tremendous courage and a display of leadership to openly criticize an individual who has too frequently promoted what has generally read as a racially charged agenda.

Her simple message gives renewed hope to the many Franklin citizens who are unwilling to allow needed progress to bog down in counterproductive, racially charged rhetoric.

I salute her and can think of no higher need within Franklin than for all citizens, regardless of skin color, to work together with a renewed sense of cooperation and to support those who are willing to take on a leadership role in a non-divisive, constructive manner.

Chuck Lilley
Franklin