Letters to the editor

Jackson a masterful public orator

I am saddened by the news of the passing of Jesse Jackson, but it leads me to recall his visit to Brookings in 1987. At that time, it was somewhat common for Presidential Candidates to visit South Dakota. As Mayor of Brookings at the time, I introduced Richard Gebhardt and Bob Dole in rallies here as well.

During Jesse’s visit to Brookings, others and I met with him before his speech at the Student Union. These area leaders were there to talk with him regarding local and state issues.

He was genuinely interested in rural issues and what he could do to better our lot.

As a student of public speaking, I was looking forward to hearing his speech. Nearly everyone in the country was familiar with the loud, high-volume style of his orations. That is all the news media had time to focus on. What they did not present was the lead-up to those thunderous finales.

He started the speech here, in a near whisper, leaning into the microphone for emphasis on certain words, then very gradually building the volume until reaching his final, loud, exhortations and expectations. In the case of Brookings, the emphasis was on student voter registration. As he built that speech, I found myself first leaning forward to catch the softly spoken words and, at the loud and exciting end, standing and wildly applauding with the rest of the crowd. It was nothing short of masterful!

Gail A Robertson,
Brookings

Brookings great place to live

I just want to say Brookings is wonderful even in the deep of winter.

We were here these last few months and enjoyed some Friday nights at the Sixth St. Gym with our international friends, Saturday Farmer’s Markets, festivities on Main St. and open houses. There were special exhibits and activities offered at the Art, Ag and Children’s Museums, Public Library, Gun Club and Nature Center.

One cold night the Brookings Art Council even welcomed area folk to bring-your-own-art-project to work on. About 35 of us showed up. Check out www.brookingsartcouncil.org for classes. The Indivisible vigils at the Post Office were well-attended and the police were kind. The Brookings Activity Center (age 65 plus) have great weekday exercise classes. Sometimes we even sing along to Beatles music while we work out. You can learn Mahjong, Bridge, Scrabble, and the list goes on...and on...

Thanks, Brookings — We appreciate living here!

Julie Ross,
Brookings

Indivisible Brookings save the dates

Mission of Indivisible: The mission of the Brookings Area Indivisible (BAI) is to defend democracy by direct, nonviolent action.

Purpose of Indivisible: BAI is a non-partisan group of volunteers dedicated to preserving democracy, promoting education, respect, decency, science and truth. We are dedicated to increasing civic engagement and education on progressive policies at the city, state and national level. Continued actions include organizing informative events to spotlight issues and candidates who support the values of fairness, ethical decision-making, and respect for humanity.

Indivisible is a national organization that was formed in 2016. https://indivisible.org/

Brookings Area Indivisible future meetings:
March 5th at 6:30 p.m. at the United Church of Christ on 828 8th St. Dr. Bonny Specker will lead the discussion on Data Centers.

March 16th serving the meal at the Harvest Table at the Methodist Community Life Center, 625 5th St.

March 28th along 6th Street at Hillcrest Park for the NO KINGS III peaceful protest: Time TBA

April 2nd and 20th Monthly meetings at the United Church of Christ. At 6:30 p.m. for a program and discussion on defending democracy by direct, nonviolent action

Roberta Olson
Member, Brookings Area
Indivisible