SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
HUNTSVILLE, AL — City leaders and civil rights advocates are denouncing a racist letter sent to Councilwoman Michelle Watkins, the first Black woman elected to the Huntsville City Council. The anonymous, handwritten note—postmarked June 9 and signed “Tennessee Valley”—was mailed to Watkins’ office and contained a racial slur, along with the phrase “fix your nappy head.”
Watkins, who represents District 1, shared the letter on Facebook, writing, “Is my hair nappy? I received this today through the mail at the City of Huntsville.” Her post quickly drew widespread support and outrage from the community.
Mayor Tommy Battle issued a strong condemnation of the letter, calling it a “malicious attack” that left him “mad.” He stated, “I condemn and detest this kind of attack. Our community is much better than what that message reflects. The City strongly condemns this incident. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.”
The Huntsville-Madison County NAACP Branch #5034 also condemned the letter, calling it “This act of hatred is not only a personal attack on a dedicated public servant, but also an assault on the values of equity, justice, and dignity that we, as a society, must uphold.” The organization urged local authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly and hold those responsible accountable.
Watkins made history in November 2024 when she was elected as the first Black woman to the Huntsville City Council. A graduate of Alabama A&M University, she previously served for eight years on the Huntsville City Board of Education and has been actively involved in various community organizations.
As of now, there has been no confirmation of an official investigation into the incident. However, community members and leaders continue to rally around Councilwoman Watkins, emphasizing the need to confront racism and promote inclusivity in the Huntsville community.