Dear Ms. Lunelle,
There I was some 20 years ago, don in the uniform of the Southern Soldier with the Southern Cross in hand, alongside my little brother Terry Lee having just left Montgomery, Alabama heading west on the Civil Rights Highway (81) towards Selma on the Historic March Across Dixie.
With full knowledge that upon entering Selma we would have to cross the infamous Edmund Pettus Bridge that Dr. Martin Luther King, Joseph Lowery, and a host of other Civil Rights Leaders had crossed on their infamous March heading east to Montgomery as we now headed west to Austin, Texas on our Civil Rights March.
As we made our way, so many, many folks would stop to tell us about the thrones of people gathered awaiting our arrival; to include an African who expressed and felt very sure that we would encounter a great deal of grief from those gathered. And, furthermore, that he was on his way to report to them just how far away we were.
Approximately 5 miles from the Selma City limits, a middle age White man, the Honorable Butch Godwin, would come out to greet and march with us; speaking and introducing us to so many of the folks gathered as we made our way across the Edmund Pettus; stopping at where the African who had given us so much grief was now standing. Mr. Godwin told him that the essence of the honor for the Southern African was complicit with the honor found in the Southern Cross (reaching out to and embracing my flag) that is inseparable to them, no matter who tries to make it not so.
A huge roar from the crowd would ensue as he led us onto a Soul food restaurant after the hugs we received from so many at end of the bridge. It seemed that Mr. Godwin knew every Black person in the restaurant to include the owner who would not let us pay.
I would be so lucky to see and share so many more warm feelings with this quiet giant of a man throughout the oncoming years. Sadly on the morning of September 16, 2023, the Honorable Gary Johnson would inform me that one of the kindest, most loved and respected by his fellow men and women, the Honorable Butch Godwin had passed away. I like so many will miss him here on earth. Yet we are certain that he will be received with a heartfelt welcome from the Almighty God and those who will welcome him to Heaven. God bless his family in their time of grief. God bless you!
Your brother,
HK