Memory and anger

http://www.cdapress.com/news/national_news/article_6bb6332a-0cd2-5d35-b88e-f7e0c805718f.html

For decades since Du Bois’ death in Ghana in 1963, the civil rights activist and scholar has drawn praise for his writings but scorn from residents upset that he joined the Communist Party, became a citizen of Ghana and often criticized the U.S. over race relations.

…

[As recently as] 2004, Stephen Bannon, chairman of the Berkshire Hills Regional School Committee, helped block efforts to name a school after Du Bois. At the time, Bannon said Du Bois’ embrace of radical politics played a role in that decision.

But these days, Bannon said, he believes that those are just “minor parts” of Du Bois’ past and that most residents have no problem honoring him as an important part of the town’s history.

“He’s part of the community,” Bannon said. “People accept him as someone who lived here and made major contributions.”

Five years later and everything is okay?

“It’s amazing what time will heal,” said Rachel Fletcher, founder of the Great Barrington River Walk. “Many of those people don’t even remember why they were even upset.” [emphasis mine]

Memory and anger are soon parted?

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