Print edition: 
Slaves endured Trail of Tears, too
Although unable to attend, I read with interest The Eagle's coverage of the Mid-America All-Indian Center's Trail of Tears Memorial Walk, with its goal of honoring Native Americans who suffered and died during their forced relocation to Indian territory (Nov. 8 Local & State). I am glad that the Indian Center chooses to annually memorialize victims of the federal government's Indian removal project.
I write to call attention to the historical fact that Native Americans were not the only individuals who walked the 1800s Trail of Tears. One lesser-known fact about these forced migrations is that the African-derived slaves of these Indian groups also walked the trail — enduring the same suffering and hardships.
R. Halliburton Jr.' s book "Red Over Black" and other sources remind us that some Native American tribes had African slave systems (though much more humane in policies and treatments than the Anglo counterpart) beginning in the 1700s. My father's ancestors were part of the slave population of the Cherokee Nation and are listed on the official government roster of participants in the 1838 Cherokee removal to Oklahoma.
LISA S. CHITEJI
Wichita
KU persecution
I am incensed at the persecution of University of Kansas football coach Mark Mangino. I am even more incensed at the behavior of student athletes who object to being poked in the chest or, heaven forbid, made to feel bad. Whatever happened to teaching young men to adapt and overcome? Do they think that the NFL, to which they doubtless aspire, will treat them any more softly?
I fear that what happened to former men's basketball coach Roy Williams is about to happen to Mangino: "You may have taken us to four Final Fours or the Orange Bowl, but what have you done for us lately?"
KU lost a legendary basketball coach because he didn't win a national championship. Will it also drive away a first-rate football coach because he lost a few games?
CELIA MATER
Wichita
Profit from YMCA
Apparently there is a concerted effort to attack the tax status of the Greater Wichita YMCA. As a longtime member of the Y, I wonder if those who object on any basis are cognizant of the great good the YMCA does.
For the youngest of babes to the oldest of the old, classes are available at nominal fees. Trained, competent instructors are not only effective but friendly. Summertime pools, indoor and out, serve entire families, making that kind of recreation together not only available but easily affordable. The quality of life of thousands of Wichitans is enhanced by membership in the Y. Also available is a program that enables the less fortunate to seek help for costs.
Is the YMCA a for-profit organization? Yes, for thousands of Wichitans who profit from all the Y offers. What would we ever do without it?
SYDNEY ARONIS
Wichita
Trail benefits
Many may wonder what purpose bike trails serve in a community filled with mostly non-cyclists. Some might even think that the few bike trails in Wichita serve only a few members of the community.
But on a recent cycling outing, I discovered a large number of not only cyclists but also walkers and even whole families using a bike trail. Clearly, bike trails are not just for cyclists but can be used by anyone.
Another issue brought up against bike trails is that the trails are not safe and bring vandalism to the area around them. This is incorrect. With increased traffic in an area because of use of a trail, there are more people watching for vandals rather than vandalizing.
PATRICK HARMS
Wichita
