Bush Acknowledges Racial Injustice

At a Black History Month event, President Bush discussed the recent racial incidences occurring throughout the nation; "describing recent displays of nooses and jokes about lynching as ‘deeply offensive' in a speech to a largely African American audience invited to the White House" write Michael Abramowitz and Hamil R. Harris of the Washington Post.

"Responding to news coverage of such episodes since the ‘Jena Six' case in Louisiana last fall, Bush said: ‘These disturbing reports have resulted in heightened racial tensions in many communities. They have revealed that some Americans do not understand why the sight of a noose causes such a visceral reaction among so many people.'

 "The comments injected a note of sobriety into a largely festive gathering in the East Room to celebrate Black History Month that included a performance by the Motown group the Temptations.

"This is a very strong statement," said the Rev. Al Sharpton, who was recognized by Bush. "I wish that he would add legislation to it, but I am glad that he has finally addressed this issue."

"During yesterday's ceremony, Bush honored four African Americans for their roles in combating racial injustice: Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.); former transportation secretary William T. Coleman Jr.; Ernest Green, the first black man to graduate from Little Rock Central High School; and Otis Williams, an original member of the Temptations."

Valle led the way for countrymen 

As a player in the United States-based Major League Baseball league, Puerto Rico's Hector Valle played in "[n]ine games, 13 at-bats, four singles and a .308 average," writes Kevin Baxter of the Los Angeles Times.

"If you had blinked, you might have missed Valle's time in Los Angeles. But those nine games have provided him with a lifetime of memories.

" 'Getting to the major leagues was the ultimate,' he said 43 years later. 'What a great experience. It was beautiful.'

"As it turns out, it was historic as well because it made Valle the first Puerto Rican catcher to play in the majors. And the trail he blazed is one many of his countrymen have followed."