State Sen. Robert Ford reports that he has been subject to criticism for his attendance at the memorial services for the CSS Hunley crew a few weeks ago by some who view the presence of a black leader as inappropriate. No doubt, the criticism was intensified as a result of a photograph in The Post and Courier showing Sen. Ford, watching the funeral procession with other members of the local Senate delegation from behind a Confederate battle flag.
While the Charleston Democrat is smarting from the criticism, he defends his decision to attend the ceremony, saying his presence promoted racial tolerance and reconciliation. He notes that the event took place largely in his Senate district, and that it recognized an historic event of international significance. And Sen. Ford pointed out that his friend and colleague, Sen. Glenn McConnell, has been a driving force behind the Hunley retrieval and restoration, and played a central role in the ceremony.
"I believe in reaching out," Sen. Ford tells us. "We're talking about racial healing, racial understanding. You've got to set an example."
Racial tolerance, he adds, "is not a one-way street." Sen. Ford says 18 state senators attended the event, but he was the sole black senator.
Sen. Ford has been a legislative leader in recognizing the importance of a mutual appreciation of heritage by blacks and whites to racial understanding and reconciliation in South Carolina.
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