Editorial: Spreading the word

It may be 2008, but the racial tensions that plagued the United States in 1960 are still present today.That’s why Harper Lee’s novel, “To Kill A Mockingbird,” which depicts one of the darkest sides of racism, is as relevant today as ever.

Stereotypes, racial slurs and hate crimes have persisted since the book was published nearly half a century ago, and the hatred Lee details remains rampant in the streets and behind closed doors.

The discrimination Lee’s characters practice and endure can be seen in our nation’s court systems and in our workplaces.

Perhaps it’s because the black-and-white world of the ’60s still colors our nation today, or perhaps because Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday is just around the corner, but Statesville civic leaders have decided to take a step to explore historical and contemporary race relations in the U.S. and in our own community.The Big Read’s primary purpose is to promote reading.

A group of Statesville civic and business leaders are in the process of applying for a federal grant that would supply books for community members — and help pay for public events — so residents can read and discuss it. Project leaders chose “To Kill a Mockingbird” and plan to hold panel discussions on race relations, among other activities.

We applaud this project as one more way to unify our diverse community.

Though they say not to judge a book by its cover, the Big Read will be a positive step for all of Iredell County.