Alabama councilwoman targeted by racist letter responds with power and pride

Councilwoman Michelle Watkins of Huntsville, Alabama—the first Black woman elected to represent North Huntsville’s District 1—was recently the target of a racist letter that has sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability.

Racist letter

The anonymous letter, postmarked June 9 and sent to Watkins’ city council office, contained a racial slur and disparaging remarks about her natural hair.

“Dear,
Please to try not acting like a d-mb [n-word] in front of the camera! Fix your nappy head!” the letter states before signing off with, “Thanks, Tennessee Valley.”

Councilwoman Michelle Watkins responds with power

Watkins shared the letter on social media with the caption, “Is my hair nappy?”—a powerful response that drew immediate support from community members and civil rights groups.

Community bans together

Mayor Tommy Battle publicly condemned the letter, stating, “I saw the malicious attack on Council Member Michelle Watkins, and it makes me mad… Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect”.

The Huntsville-Madison County NAACP also issued a strong statement, calling the letter “vile” and “an assault on the values of equity, justice, and dignity”.

“A lot of people told me how sorry they were about it. It felt good to have the support, but at the end of the day,” Watkins told 48 WAFF News. “You have to remember when you’re in this position, sometimes people are going to say things that don’t sound nice, but it comes with the territory, so I just take it with my chin up.”

As of now, the sender has not been identified, but local authorities are being urged to investigate thoroughly. The incident has become a rallying point for those demanding a more inclusive and respectful civic environment.