To the editor:

Stephan Brigidi had a letter in the March 10, 2022 Phoenix promoting the placement of a Port Marker Project on the Bristol waterfront. While the intention is commendable and the group has great energy, the practical impact on those Mr. Brigidi is seeking to memorialize is minimal.

It may assuage the conscience of the supporters, but does little to make any type of concrete amends. I would suggest that the supporters of this monument look to doing something to improve the lot of our black brethren in the public schools in Providence, where only eight percent of the eighth-grade students are reading at grade level. Maybe the group can support organizations that labor to improve the lot of youth in inner cities of America. One such group in south Chicago is project H.O.O.D. (Helping Others Obtain Destiny). Another good cause is Bob Woodson’s 1776 Unites, an organization that makes a difference in the lives of young black people.

Operating on shoestring budgets and donations, these people and organizations do make a difference and are worthy of our support.

Michael Byrnes
Walley Street