Re “Strange fruit? Critic: Oak evokes lynching image at Walker statue site,” Dec. 24-26 edition:

Approximately 30 years ago, I was contracted by the City of Richmond to plant the tree in question at West Broad and North Adams streets.

A live oak, with its distinctive evergreen leaves as opposed to typical oaks that lose their leaves, represents sustained life, prosperity, strength and character.

It was this symbolism that the city wanted to evoke at this location at the gateway to Jackson Ward from Broad Street.

Frankly speaking, it’s appalling and insulting that this symbolism is now being twisted into a legacy of lynching.

We are a city and a community that is honored to be the home of such iconic figures as Maggie L. Walker, and it is our duty to honor her properly. A majestic statue and monument to Mrs. Walker can work with nature and green space, rather than conflict, as critics say.

The legacy of Mrs. Walker’s leadership, entrepreneurship and citizenship will work hand in hand with the symbolism the live oak evokes. What some people see as an issue of confined space should be considered an opportunity for us to express both our love for our history and our love of greenery that is inviting.

A Maggie Walker statue can work well at this location, and the tree in question can add and enhance the landscape around the memorial rather than detract from it.

DWIGHT SNEAD

Glen Allen

The writer is president of Dwight Snead Construction.