Support for Standing for Minorities Rally

Dear Editor of the Nevada Daily Mail,

I am writing in support of the Standing for Minorities Rally being held in Nevada, MO on Wednesday, June 3rd. As someone who was born and grew up in Nevada and now lives in San Francisco, I continue to value my small town upbringing and the values that were instilled in me by my family and the many, many Nevada educators and community members who contributed to who I am today. It is always such a relief when I get to visit home, however infrequent, as I look forward to the slower pace, the friendly faces, and the genuine compassion and concern I feel when people ask, “How have you been?” There is truly no place like home.

It is because of this strong affinity I feel for my hometown that I feel compelled to write today about both the tremendous pride I feel that my fellow Nevadans are engaging in this important nationwide conversation, as well as my deep concerns surrounding the negative comments, including bullying and vague threats of violence, posted online toward the organizers of this peaceful protest. Regardless of how you feel about an issue, bullying or threatening another human being—particularly a teenager—is inexplicably horrible, and it does not fit the Nevada community that I know and love. I am so proud of both the organizers and the people who have committed to participating in this peaceful protest. I am inspired by the youth of this nation, including in my hometown, and their commitment to engaging in peaceful, anti-racist conversation and action. I am inspired by the organizer’s commitment to non-violence and to this cause.

I stand proudly with the Standing for Minorities Rally in Nevada, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the call to end systemic racism. I look forward to attending the protest tomorrow through a virtual platform. I wish I could be there in person.

Elisha Ellis Madsen