Voices

Learning and Growing

Dear Editor: In 2015, I was approached about being interviewed for an article that was intended to parallel the growth of a man with the growth of our city through 70 years of life. I agreed and gave an account of how I had grown as a human being from the ‘40s through six years ago. In recounting my life long ago, I used a very hurtful word. I grew up when this was OK; I know it is not now. The past six years and perhaps specifically the last year made me realize the way I thought and the way I spoke is so very wrong. I no longer use the word, nor do I think that way, and I am a better man today. I am so very sorry to my community. Please, from my heart, I am asking you to accept my sincere apology for the pain I have caused. I understand, I am learning and I am still growing. – Lou Worthington

Editor’s Note: Lou Worthington references a Creative Loafing article from 2015 titled “Once a Sundown Town, Gulfport Reaches out to its Black Residents.” The article has recently been reposted across Gulfport social media pages.

Correction

In last week’s “Art Bits” [February 4, 2021], the Gabber incorrectly credited two artist works. “All That Glitters is Not Gold” is a work by Elena Øhlander (it was credited to Mize Gallery); a painting by Patricia Kluwe Deridian was wrongly credited to Carraway + Rose. We apologize and regret the errors.

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