O pini O n Letters to the editor

Intense debate over reparations for Black Americans

Editor,

The issue of reparations for Black Americans is a controversial topic in the United States.

Reparations are being recommended because of the history of slavery, segregation, and systemic racism that has caused huge harm to Black people in America. People argue that reparations are necessary to address this historical scar. Opponents believe it’s hard to determine who should get compensation and that it might not be fair to those who didn’t directly experience slavery while others think reparations would be too costly and could lead to a lack of money for other groups.

Opponents may argue that it’s hard to determine who should get compensation and that it might not be fair to those who didn’t directly experience slavery. Some also think reparations would be too costly and could lead to resentment from other groups.

It’s important to recognize the harm caused by racism and discuss ways to address its historical effects.

The federal government could implement a program of reparations, similar to the reparations paid to Japanese Americans who were interned during World War II.

Secondly, community-based reparations could involve individuals and top organizations taking responsibility for their role in perpetuating systemic racism and providing compensation through direct payments or scholarships to Black communities.

The issue of reparations for Black Americans is a huge topic, but it’s important to discuss ways to address the historical injustices caused by systemic racism. It’s important to have discussions and consider effective solutions to move toward a more inspiring future.

Mike Jobs Brentwood

Publisher Greg Robinson Controller Sandie McNulty

Editor Chris Campos

Production Manager Eric Kinnaird

Ad Services Manager Connie O’Neill

Founder & Publisher Emeritus Jimmy Chamoures

Should immigrants have to learn English before they apply for citizenship?

Editor,

The United States is a widely diverse country. Thousands of people migrate here to start a new life, full of the opportunities that the U.S provides. Though it’s not a perfect country, people sacrifice themselves to succeed here. Most must learn a whole new form of communication.

In March, J.D. Vance, a Republican Senator from Ohio, submitted a new bill that would make English the official language of the U.S. The bill also includes immigrants passing an English test to be naturalized as citizens. After the struggle they go through, they get tested to have a label that will let them “fit in.”

Others may say that immigrants must know English fluently. It will be easier for them to live here since the language most spoken is English. However, it can be difficult finding good translators everywhere. Some argue that it should be required to know English fully to be able to apply for citizenship.

Not everyone has time or money to attend English classes. Speaking English should not be required to get your citizenship accepted.

Coming to the U.S. and learning a new language is one of the challenges faced as immigrants. Slightly understanding English is a good start. Once they are here, they should continue to learn English and practice every day. Their right to live here should not depend on their proficiency in English.

Keisy Reyes Brentwood

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Odyssey of the Mind winners fundraising for student trip to World Finals Editor,

For the second year in a row, Mary Casey Black Elementary is overjoyed to have an Odyssey of the Mind Division 1 team that has qualified for the World Finals.

The team of fourth- and fifthgrade students placed third at the State Tournament on March 25 in Odyssey’s “Where’s the Structure” problem. The students studied engineering, architecture, design, teamwork, and presentation skills to create and perform an adventure story featuring a complex balsa wood structure they designed and built to support weight testing.

As the only elementary school in Brentwood attending the World Finals, the students are excited to represent their school, and their city, by competing with students from all over the world at the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals place at the end of May at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mich.

The team is fundraising to cover costs for travel, lodging, and expenses to get to the World Finals. If you or your company would like to donate or sponsor the team, you can visit our GoFundMe (https://www.gofundme. com/f/mcb-odessy-of-the-mind-teamgo-to-worlds) or email our coach,

Elaine Gale-Lopez, at elainegalelopez@ gmail.com for additional ways to help.

To learn more about the competition, visit www.omworldfinals. com

Shanna Edwards Brentwood

Police, council members at Easter egg hunt greatly

appreciated Editor,

A great big thank-you to Chief of Police Tim Herbert and his team of officers who participated in the Easter Egg hunt event at Village Drive.

The day was planned by the One Day At a Time organization. Your presence and support meant so much to our community. The fact that you mingled and interacted with the people was a beautiful sight to see.

Your active participation helped heal a wound caused by last year’s abrupt pullout of the event by the Police Department after advertisements stated that they were cosponsors of the Easter Egg Hunt. Herbert was not chief then. I was happy to know that Council members Pa’tanisha Pierson and Tony Oerlemans as well as City Manager Tim Ogden also attended the event.

Our community is becoming more and more diverse. I hope the City of Brentwood under the leadership of the Mayor and the City Council will support many more cultural events that bring our community together.

Isaac Montanez Brentwood

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