Wilson Disqualification Hit the Mark
Elton Hayes's "Wilson Football Takes a Hit" article, published in the Nov. 29 edition, really shed light on the District's problem with ineligible players from Maryland who participate in District public school athletics. This has been an ongoing problem for years now and it's good to see District of Columbia public schools officials such as Stephanie Evans tackle the issue.
Wilson's disqualification was the second time a penalty had been handed down by DCPS officials, in as many months. H.D. Woodson was forced to vacate victories in October after word leaked of the team allowing an ineligible player to participate in several of the school's games.
However, as Mr. Hayes's article pointed out, the fashion in which DCPS officials deemed Wilson ineligible was wrong.
It's also baffling that Evans decided to pursue the case after she originally declined to do so. It's as if there was political jousting between DCPS officials that affected their decision. At the end of the day, the eligible players who spent numerous hours practicing and playing in games, suffered. They made the sacrifice and had a chance to play for the city football championship, but the opportunity was taken away from them.
Wilson's case is unfortunate and it's sad that its seniors were not able to play in the biggest game of their high school football career. I hope that DCPS continues to penalize the schools that take advantage of the residency issue, and leave schools like Wilson, that run a clean athletic program, alone. Keep up the good work, Informer.
Tanya Davis,
Washington, D.C.
Remembering Lawrence Guyot
A Civil Rights Warrior Remembered (Nov. 29), written by Barrington Salmon, was a powerful and emotional read. Lawrence Guyot's lasting legacy goes largely unknown because he's overshadowed by fellow civil rights pioneers who include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rep. John Lewis. While King and Lewis risked and sacrificed their lives for the movement, Guyot did the same.
Mr. Salmon's article accurately chronicled his work and did so in a way that made it clear to anyone who read the article. It also reminded me of why African-American newspapers are relevant and needed in the black community. Other publications honored Guyot, however, The Washington Informer's article was far more in-depth and informative.
I enjoyed reading the array of accounts about Guyot not just from local District politicians and leaders, but from others in the community who became acquainted with him. Guyot became a fixture in the District and touched the lives of many people both young and old. Mr. Salmon also did well in including those who knew Guyot in the early 1960s when he first embarked on his career as an activist during the Freedom Riders movement. The article really gave an intimate view of Guyot as a person and humanized a man whose achievements were significant.
Guyot gave the community a voice and a sense of power. It's refreshing to read an article that does more than just scratch the surface, but presents an in-depth look into one of our community's heroes. Articles like these are why I continue to read The Washington Informer.
Keith Robinson
Upper Marlboro, Md.
