Ms. Jennings,
My name is Cindy Schmitzer.
Resident of Sparta, N.J.
White woman.
Nice to meet you.
I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your letter. It’s a very powerful message. It breaks my heart to think of you walking down the street with your friend, I envision enjoying yourself, and out of nowhere you have to endure being called such a terrible name.
I can’t imagine how humiliating that must have been for you ... and to think you have to chalk it up to punk kids.
I can certainly think of other names for them.
It sounds like it’s one of many such insults you have had endure for no other reason than the color of your skin.
I can’t relate to any of these things, but they still make my blood boil.
Please know I had my husband and my high school student read your letter. I also passed it onto my other three kids who have moved out of the area.
I will continue to share it.
You sound beyond lovely ... it’s nice to meet you.
Cindy Schmitzer