Miami has lost an icon who taught us about social justice and mutual respect | Opinion

Miami icon dies

I am greatly saddened about the passing of Enid Pinkney. She was an icon in Miami. She dedicated her life to preserving history and sharing her experiences as a 92-year-old Black woman who witnessed many changes throughout her lifetime. She was instrumental in saving The Hampton House, a former Green Book hotel where African Americans stayed during the Jim Crow era, to educate others about the horrors of discrimination and oppression.

On July 3, Pinkney spoke to FIU graduate social work students at The Hampton House, discussing her life and experiences and challenging them to seek more for themselves and others. She shared many moving stories about discrimination and hatred but maintained a positive attitude that inspired generations to strive for more. She emphasized the importance of relationships, reminding social workers to recognize the central importance of human relationships and engage people as partners.

Her commitment to others was not just public but extended to private conversations as a way of life. She was always ready to engage with my students, sharing her experiences about the Jim Crow era and beyond. Her work was instrumental in recognizing history as the foundation for our shared humanity. She lived her life with grace, touching countless lives.

Let us remember her words of wisdom and hope for a better world in her memory. Let us continue her legacy of educating others as we work toward the goals she encouraged. May she rest in peace and may we all remember her legacy as we work toward a more perfect union based on social justice, the importance of human relationships and respect for the dignity and worth of every person.

Shed Boren,

Miami

Counsel options

As a lawyer, I’ll be watching with some curiosity as the courts navigate the new chaplain-in-schools program signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

As a mom, however, I am quite pleased. The current system sometimes steers students from therapy to labels, diagnoses and medication. Families can feel pressured to go along.

For a chaplain to counsel students, the new program requires parental consent. It will be nice to have an option.

Marianne Arellano,

Coral Gables

Political attacks

The July 16 Herald online op-ed, “‘The Democrats’ were not behind notable assassinations and attempts in U.S. history” was informative and debunked misinformation from the Republican side. Besides those listed, there were many others, including four assassinations, three people wounded and 15 attempts and confirmed plots against our presidents.

Notable among those missing from the op-ed is the attempt by Guiseppi Zangara on Franklin Delano Roosevelt in Miami’s Bayfront Park on Feb. 15, 1933. He missed Roosevelt but mortally wounded Chicago Mayor Anton Cernak. Zangara was tried in the Dade County Courthouse and convicted of attempted murder. He was retried when Cernak died a few days later and sentenced to death. He was electrocuted on March 20, 1933. Swift justice in those days, indeed.

Notably, all of these incidents were carried out with guns. None were by someone in one party seeking to kill because another was a Republican or Democrat. Several shooters were mentally ill. John Wilkes Booth and conspirators were Confederate sympathizers. Zangara hated politicians and rich people.

We must tone down the political rhetoric. Let’s think before accusing those in the other party of dastardly deeds.

Norman Segall,

Coral Gables

Best life

For several decades, our nation has become polarized due to anger, hostility, disrespect, violence, self-interest and a loss of our respect for our country. No surprise that the recent assassination attempt on our former president is a result of these issues.

I have taught our children and grandchildren to treat everyone with DR — Dignity and Respect — and the “4 C’s” — Civility, Compassion, Communication and Compromise.

Absent this, we may face an ultimate loss of our republic and our democracy.

Ian Nisonson,

Pinecrest

Choose wisely

Politicians who have overcome poverty and adversity often highlight their background as a way to connect with voters and gain support. While this can be admirable and deserving of respect, we should remember that the success of the United States and its economic growth is attributed to the collective efforts of people of various backgrounds, including those who also experienced poverty.

As voters, looking beyond personal stories and evaluating a candidate’s character and political ideology is crucial. While overcoming adversity can demonstrate resilience and determination, it does not automatically guarantee that a candidate’s beliefs and policies align with what is best for the country.

Therefore, carefully considering a candidate’s qualifications, track record and proposed plans to address issues facing the nation is essential. Ultimately, the focus should be on electing leaders who have the competence, integrity and vision to effectively govern and serve the interests of the entire nation.

Hugo Zamorano,

Coral Gables

Vance’s dance

In 2016, U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance rose to prominence with the publication of his memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy.” He declared himself a Never Trumper, calling the now convicted felon “reprehensible,” “cultural heroin,” “idiot” and a “total fraud.” He was not far off the mark.

Sadly, by becoming the staunchest Donald Trump acolyte, he has now revealed himself to be much the same.

Werner Grob,

Key Biscayne

Switch hitter

Sen. Marco Rubio’s narrative for years was that Cuban President Fidel Castro is “an evil, murderous dictator who inflicted misery and suffering on his people.” Now, Rubio appears to have changed his opinion about dictators. Donald Trump has famously (notoriously?) declared that, if re-elected, he would be dictator only “on day one.”

Does anyone — including Rubio — really believe Trump would limit his authoritarian rule to one day?

Not long ago, Rubio criticized the former president as a “con artist.” Now he has nothing but praise for the would-be-dictator.

How does Rubio rationalize this political dissonance? Does he believe there are “bad dictators” (Castro) and “good dictators” (Trump)?

Rubio’s declared repugnance for dictators appears to have taken a 180 as he sacrifices his integrity on the altar of political expediency.

George Fontana,

Key West

Pompous pension

If Miami city commissioners giving themselves a pay raise wasn’t self-serving, then what was it?

Prove it by making all current office holders ineligible for a pension.

Art Young,

West Kendall

Beach fire station

Miami Beach’s city administration and firefighters agree that a state-of-the-art facility adjacent to Alton Road, a major thoroughfare and emergency route, improves fire department response times. The proposed location also allows the preservation of the South Shore Community Center as the home of senior and early childhood programs.

Citizens must approve this referendum. If it fails, the city will place the station in a residential area surrounded by congested two-lane Sixth street and Meridian and Jefferson avenues.

The city also will demolish the community center, ending senior programs provided since 1971, while relegating daycare to a “temporary” modular structure in the center of Flamingo Park, six blocks from constituencies and key bus routes, with no plan or funding for their permanent relocation.

Finally, the referendum’s failure means the loss of an architectural treasure that local, state and national preservationists have identified as integral to our architectural and civic heritage. Approving the referendum advances the safety and quality of life for Miami Beach residents and visitors.

David McKinney,

Miami Beach

Just a game?

Does anyone really care who won the Copa America soccer tournament? Should we care?

How will your life be different based on the game’s outcome?

Leo Bueno,

Coral Gables