‘Malicious attack’: Huntsville City Council Member Watkins receives racist letter at municipal office

HUNTSVILLE — A letter to Huntsville City Council Member Michelle Watkins contained racist language and was called a “malicious attack” by the mayor.

Watkins, who is in her first term as the District 1 representative, posted the letter and envelope on her Facebook page with a comment “Is my hair nappy?”

256 Today reached out to Watkins for a comment.

The letter had no return address and was addressed to the “Huntsville Council Office.” It opens with “Dear,” and closes “Thanks, Tennessee Valley.”

Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle provided a statement condemning the “offensive communication directed to Council Member Michelle Watkins.”

“I saw the malicious attack on Council Member Michelle Watkins, and it makes me mad,” he said. “I condemn and detest this kind of attack. Our community is much better than what that message reflects.

“The city denounces this incident in the strongest terms. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.”