Several years ago, I was in Seattle and visited the African-American museum there. They had a display on Maggie L. Walker, and as a Richmonder, I was the proudest person in the museum.

Fast forward to the community meeting on Jan. 12 to discuss the unveiling of the Walker statue in Richmond and get community input on what they would like to see. I was saddened by what I heard. This gathering took me back nearly 20 years to when the statue of Arthur Ashe was being discussed at a similar forum.

With the Ashe discussion, some people didn’t think that his statue warranted a place on Monument Avenue. Others felt it needed to be put in a more secluded place, a place that was more African-American central.

We cannot let history repeat itself as we honor Maggie L. Walker. Mrs. Walker is not only a Richmond (s)hero, but a (s)hero and a model for Virginia and all of the United States. What she did to combat Jim Crow in the United States cannot be compared to anyone’s work. Coming from the meager beginnings that she did and rising to the level of her success is an example of what we say America is all about. Why should we be so hesitant to display that in the glory that we do with others? She should be honored and she should not have to share that with a tree.

Are people using the tree as a reason to dim that light? How can a statue of such an important person disrupt one’s business when in truth it will attract business? Is it really about the tree?

Mrs. Walker should be highlighted in the best way possible.

Let us learn from the past and as Spike Lee would say, “Do the right thing.” Let us honor Maggie L. Walker, who gave so much to so many and she did it for the right reason. We have an opportunity to make Richmond proud as well as make a statement that we are moving into the 21st century as a leader for change.

Rev. Dr. Sylvester L. Turner

Richmond

The writer is pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church and a member of the Maggie L. Walker High School Class of 1969.