It was a pleasure to read news of Merle Smith’s inclusion in the African-American Museum. As the first African-American graduate of the Coast Guard Academy, and as a decorated officer who served in harm’s way, he certainly deserves to be so honored.

Three other Connecitcutters ought to be honored too. One thinks of Jordan Freeman and Lambert Latham, African-American volunteers slain in the battle of Groton Heights, when Benedict Arnold torched New London and ordered the assault on Fort Griswold. The bronze tablet honoring Jordan merits a visit to the fort.

The third candidate, Prudence Crandall, is caucasian. She kept a school in Canterbury. When certain young ladies of color asked if they might come to her school, Miss Crandall said yes and all hell broke loose. Alleged adults stormed the schoolhouse. Someone contaminated the well, in a way too gross to be noted here, and a local minister berated Miss Crandall from the pulpit.

Prudence Crandall left Connecticut and sojourned out on the prairie. Late in life, she came back here and was offered an apology and a pension by legislators in Hartford. Today, she and another teacher, Nathan Hale, are honored as our state heroes. Miss Crandall’s courage rivals that of Jordan Freeman and of Lambert Latham. She too, merits recognition in the African-American Museum.

Richard White

East Lyme