To the editor:

In response to the Jan. 21 Alexandria Times editorial, “In Search of Unity,” I was shocked that two members of City Council, Elizabeth Bennett-Parker and Mo Seifeldein, were chastised for sticking up for racial justice. I don’t want white supremacist groups finding lodging at the Holiday Inn either.

And when Seifeldein speaks about the history of police brutality against people of color, yes, we need to call that out. Consider talking to some folks here in Alexandria who have felt victimized and overpoliced in their neighborhoods. Having unity doesn’t mean we don’t call out what we know is wrong. Who gets to define unity or decide who unity is for?

We want to unify our country and our community, but we can’t pretend these issues are behind us somehow and just move on. I commend City Council members who take a bold stand on the side of racial justice and equity. It isn’t easy or comfortable, especially when most people don’t want to talk about the injustices right in front of us.

-Erin Lee, Alexandria