The Editor, Sir:

This letter is inspired by Blake-Hannah's article on repa-rations titled 'Forgive slavery, forget about reparations'.

Blake-Hannah's rationale for abandoning reparations is so pathetic! But, unfortunately, she speaks to the fears of a number of black people.

She would rather give up everything: dignity, respect, resources, and future, rather than lose the so-called 'friendship' of one ignorant white person. Damn all the African people who want their just inheritance! Their friendship and future don't matter.

Instead of being so 'needy' of white friendship, why doesn't she become a friend and educate the fools and all of her white friends to the error of their thinking, their miseducation? Friendship works both ways! Otherwise, someone is fooling herself!

Clearly, she is suffering from post-traumatic slavery syndrome.

She would rather stuff her pain and build a dishonest relationship rather than test the relationship to see if it can survive truth. She is still protecting Massa.

Reparation is not about friend-ship; it is about justice, and justice isn't about whether you win or lose, it is about whether or not it is due. Also, it is about unfinished business, and clearing away all the garbage, lies, omissions, etc., so that a foundation is prepared on which to build relationships based on honesty and integrity.

I am, etc.,

QUEEN MOTHER

DOROTHY BENTON LEWIS

oravouche@aol.com

Rockville, Maryland