While there obviously does not exist a governmental department in Baldwin County which regulates individual morality or ethics, I am hopeful that responsible citizens of Baldwin county will encourage and support initiatives that celebrate cultural diversity in an effort to dispel what I hope, are the last remnants of the South’s ugly past.

My husband grew up in the Jim Crow South of Baldwin County and moved north to another state many years ago to escape the painful legacy of that era. This weekend we visited Gulf Shores in celebration of our wedding anniversary given the area’s aesthetic beauty, and to visit my husband’s childhood home. Sadly, we were met with resistance and palatable contempt despite our effort to patronize a local restaurant business in Gulf Shores.

As a business owner, myself, I could not believe the treatment we received, which was tantamount to a refusal of service clearly predicated upon the color of our skin. I can safely assure you that we will not soon re-visit Gulf Shores given our experience. However, we will share our experience with our network to save them the humiliation we experienced this weekend.

The storms that have ravaged the Gulf in recent years clearly cannot and could not be avoided. However, the insidious racism that rears its ugly head without warning does far more to negatively impact the long-term economic and cultural vibrancy of the region than any storm ever has or could.

My husband and I appreciate the opportunity to share our experience and despite the treatment we received, we wish the city well and are hopeful that we can one day enjoy the beauty of Baldwin County without painful reminders of the old South.

Robin Emmons

Charlotte, N.C.