A Statement from the Director of the Beloved Community Center

by Rev. Nelson Johnson

Jun. 15, 2009

[The following is a statement from Rev. Nelson Johnson, Executive Director of the Beloved Community Center, regarding November 3, 1979 and the events proceeding it.]

In response to the Human Relation Commission Report, I want all citizens of Greensboro to read the full GTRC Report.  Since I was such a central figure in the events of November 3, 1979 and its aftermath, I want  to call your attention to my statement of regret, self-criticisms, and apologies on pages 19-20 of my 36 page testimony to the Greensboro Truth and Reconciliation Commission. 

You will see listed below, excerpts from that testimony.  To read my testimony in its entirety, please download the full script above.

 Excerpt(s):

Let me take this occasion to publicly apologize to Mayor Melvin for referring to him by a demeaning name.  I recognize that calling Mayor Melvin a “dog” was wrong.  While it reflected my state of mind at the time, it was no less wrong and should not have been done. I am sorry that I used such language. Under any circumstances, it demeaned his humanity and thereby reduced my own stature as a moral being.

Secondly, I very much regret that a flyer was developed in the form of a letter that called the Klan members cowards and challenged them to come from under their rocks and face the wrath of the people.  That was wrong.  The names demeaned and devalued the potential of people who were members of the Klan and or the Nazi.   Although in a letter form, it was really a flyer and I need to emphasize here that it was never mailed to anyone by us.  Nevertheless, it was wrong and should not have been done, and I do apologize for that letter to my brothers and sisters who were and may still be Klan or Nazi members.

Thank You,

Rev. Nelson Johnson

Executive Director, Beloved Community Center

Email this article to a friend | Print this page