To the Editor:
I want to take this opportunity to make a declarative statement to those familiar with my history as the head basketball coach at East St. Louis Sr. High School from 2010 to 2012.
I have had five years to reflect on the big picture and so have others. I can’t speak for anyone but myself.
I want to apologize for anything that I may have done or said that offended any student athlete, coach, school official, parent, or fan of the Flyers.
I extend the same apology to the Katherine Dunham Center's family, political and civic leaders who serve all the underserved communities in the metro east.
Why am I doing this?
I am doing this because of my Christian experience. God is not the author of confusion. Many people are confused by some of my words and deeds.
God and I know my heart. I am a person who tries to live an exemplary lifestyle. I try to seek truth, walk in truth and speak the truth. It’s been said the truth can hurt, the truth can cut like a knife; conversely lies can as well.
The Bible teaches its readers to aim for love and live in truth. I will continue to own those values, but I want to take a pause every once in a while to allow humility to sooth my soul.
I will continue to love the city I was born in, East St. Louis, I will continue to organize and support causes I believe in, but I want to ask those who may not accept my words and deeds in the manner I delivered them to charge them to my head and not my heart.
In conclusion, I hope and pray that everyone who reads this public apology accepts it in the spirit in which it is being delivered; God bless.
Ray Coleman
Belleville