Letter: Augusta makes me proud

I’ve lived in Augusta for 10 days.

While I would have never expected to say this in such a short time, I could not be more proud to call this “my city.”

Our family relocated from Pittsburgh for work. In the short time the kids and I have been here, we’ve been impressed at how friendly people seem down here - kind and respectful. Strangers on the street look you in the eye to say “hello.”

Yet it didn’t comport with the Augusta crime ratings and the warnings from loved ones around the country to “be careful in that city.”

It also didn’t comport with the many consecutive days of completely peaceful protests in the wake of George Floyd’s death. The peaceful part is what makes us proud to say this is our new home, as well as the unity which has been displayed. In viewing coverage, it’s clear that people of all races, both citizens and police, have come together to speak against this horrible injustice, to respect one another through the pain and to make their voices heard not through violence and crime but through passion and love.

It is powerful! This newcomer would like to say to the city of Augusta: You make me proud, and your voice is heard more loudly than any looters, brick-throwers, arsonists or shooters around the country. It’s reassuring that within 10 days of moving here - during a pandemic, on top of countrywide riots - we’ve found a home that mirrors our family values and has the courage to stand up and call out injustice.

Thank you, Augusta.

Julie Loehlein

Martinez