To the editor:

Before a very successful Black Lives Matter demonstration on Tuesday, June 2, two signs on the LaPan Highway overpass were removed. One of which said, “Black Lives Matter.”

Firstly, I want to say that I was moved by the anonymous individual who placed it there. Secondly, I am disturbed by its removal.

Inspired by the initial act, I filed a permit with the village and replaced the banner with another there shortly after, which read, “Black Lives Still Matter.” This was to keep the names of innocent Black people murdered by systemic racism still on the lips of  this town. I am disheartened by the speed at which it was once again removed. By whom I could not say, as the individual likely did it in the middle the of night. To that individual I would like to say:

It will be replaced again.

I do not know your motives, but I will make mine very clear. I am inspired by the persistence of people who fight for civil rights, even when they were blasted with firehoses, pepper sprayed, shot with rubber bullets and had dogs released on them.

I do not understand why recognizing the value of black human life is so controversial to you, but it should not be. This is not the 1800s, dear neighbor. It’s 2020. and there is no room for intolerance in this village. Black lives will always be valued, and that fact will not change no matter how many times you take down a banner that says so.

John O. Brown

Lake Placid