VIDEO: Former Bridges President Bruce Seaman responds to David Stone of Southern Pride This video by former President of Bridges Project Bruce Seaman was in response to being called out in a video posted on the Facebook page "Marion County Political Forum," known for its accommodation of hyper-conservative opinions, conspiracy theorizing, and generous doses of nastiness and hate speech. The poster was David Stone of Southern Pride, ostensible co-organizer of the July, 2015 Pride Ride with critical support from the Sons of Confederate Veterans, bringing about 2,000 Confederate flag-waving vehicles from around the region to Ocala/Marion County - click here for that story. The event was seen by many as having a remarkable kinship with an old-fashioned "Klan Ride" used to intimidate and even terrorize black communities in the days of Jim Crow legal segregation. Stone was miffed by Bridges Project's condemnation of proclamations by the Marion County Commission and Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn to honor April 26 as Confederate Memorial Day. Stone's rambling 18-minute video called for Seaman to join with him in an act of unity. Seaman had already published a letter in the Ocala Star Banner regarding Confederate apologists - the letter can read by clicking here. Stone apparently had not read the letter. This video response was first posted on Facebook on the "Marion County Political Forum" page.
0 Comments
Peggy Brookins addresses failing schools ![]() Peggy Brookins, President & CEO of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, returned to Marion County on March 21, 2019 to make a special presentation for Bridges Project at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Now a national figure in teaching and education, Peggy had taught in Marion County’s Forest High School. She helped develop the prestigious Engineering and Manufacturing Institute of Technology (EMIT) magnet program. In her presentation, she addressed the issue of failing schools, pointing to the need for better training and ongoing support of teachers, promoting the craft of pedagogy over teach-to-the-test methods, the new possibilities created by community schools providing wrap-around services for families, and much more. |