Thank you

This morning I read the article by Fisto Ndayishimiye (6/20/25) and was very moved. I grew up in Concord’s south end in a neighborhood with one (of only two at the time, I believe) Black family. DeeDee, as we called her, was one of my best buddies growing up, and the whole family was always welcoming to me as was ours to them.

My parents never exposed me to prejudice or racism and DeeDee was equal in my mind to all my other (white) friends. Now, 60 years later, I am back home and seeing so many beautiful, multi-cultural people in my hometown is very heartwarming to me.

However, after reading Fisto’s article, I sadly realize that Concord has not really progressed. At nearly 80 now, I am sad and ashamed that I was not ever part of a movement (other than in my heart) to help make this change. Thank you, Fisto, for working so hard on my behalf.

Kitty Rodgers

Loudon