The shockwave from Kirkwood – “Cookie” Thornton, a black man, methodically killing five white members of the city’s government and police force – exposes the racial fault line afflicting our metropolitan area. If not addressed once the pain of this moment has begun to subside, then it only stands to worsen.
On one side of the divide lies the prevailing sentiment in the black community that Cookie’s action was condemnable and unjustifiable, but understandable. The prevailing sentiment of the white community is that even any thought of understanding his motives amounts to blacks justifying a murderous rampage.
There has now been the needed plea by both sides for healing. However, for a wound to properly heal, it must first be treated.
The City of Kirkwood’s relationship and dealings with the impoverished black area that was home to Cookie, Meacham Park, is a microcosm of the racial issues besetting this entire region. The racial gulf between Kirkwood and Meacham Park is the same one that divides North St. Louis from South St. Louis, causing our racial polarization to be nationally known.
Eric E. Vickers
St. Louis