The LuLac Edition #5, 630, April 15th, 2026

 

WRITE ON

WEDNESDAY

Our “Write on Wednesday” logo

 

This week we share a letter from a respected member oi the community who calls out State Representative Jamie Walsh’s ignoring and not even recognizing Black History month. You would think that Walsh who litigated his way to office in 2024 would take all the help he could get. But apparently people are saying his MAGA views overtook his judgement.

WALSH REFUSES TO RECOGNIZE BLACK ACHIEVEMENT

Editor:  As a gold and silver life member of the Wilkes Barre NAACP 2306, and a past president, I need to express serious concern over recent votes cast by State Rep. Jamie Walsh of the 117th district.

Earlier this year Rep. Walsh was one of just five members of the Pennsylvania House to vote against recognizing Black History Month (HR413).  More recently, he was again among a very small minority, just four out of 199, to vote against (HR424), a resolution honoring the historic achievements of a predominately Black Masonic Temple Lodge in Philadelphia, the “Prince Hall Mason Day at the Capitol.”

These resolutions are symbolic. This causes no money from taxpayers. It imposes no burden on government. It simply acknowledges Black history, contributions, and the value of recognition. That makes these repeated “no” votes all the more troubling.

In addition, Rep. Walsh previously took legal action against the Lake-Lehman School District over what he claimed was the teaching of Critical Race Theory, an issue that, in practice has no presence in K-12 classrooms locally; that action did, however, carry real costs to taxpayers at $10,000. Walsh told a newspaper reporter the lawsuit was over CRT, but no mention of CRT was in the lawsuit settlement paperwork.  Taken together, these actions raise difficult but necessary questions.  Why does Rep. Walsh consistently oppose measures that recognize Black history and achievement?  What message is this sending to Black constituents in your district and across this Commonwealth?

As an organization committed to civil rights, equality, and accountability; we believe that elected officials should be willing to explain their positions, especially when those positions place them far outside the mainstream. We urge Rep. Walsh to provide clarity to the community he serves.

Constance E. Wynn, Wilkes-Barre