Sep 9, 2011 2 min read

As one of the many relatives, of the late Leon A. Mickens, father of the recent homicide victim, Leon A. Mickens, I take offense to a statement in the article in the Herald-Standard.com, Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2011, in which Kenneth Wells stated: “… he shot her while the two were engaged in a sex act.”

Are you that desperate to sell newspapers?

I for one, thought, “yellow journalism” might bypass a smaller area newspaper. What purpose did it serve to print Kenneth Wells’ statement? Joslyn Mickens is dead and can’t confirm or deny Wells’ statement.

This article, particularly the statement by Wells, has escalated the burden of grief for members of his immediate family.

Any person with the smallest amount of common sense or decency knows Wells would say anything to help his case, not caring that he would once again initiate pain.

I dare to say that printing this article revolves around racism and possibly you would have thought twice before putting Wells’ statement in print for anyone to read, if victims were not Afro-American.

I am appalled, shocked and disgusted that you would allow the statement to be printed, especially when the shock and grief is still new for his family.

Though, I see many biracial children and couples in this area, there is still rampant racism in Uniontown and the surrounding areas. You should take courses on sensitivity, race relations, and common sense.

As for me, I will think twice before or/if I renew my Herald-Standard Newspaper subscription.

Henrietta D. Mickens

Masontown