A couple of weeks ago, I wrote that embattled Portsmouth, Va. mayor James W. Holley should be allowed a dignified exit. Holley faces a recall election on Tuesday. If successful, it would be the second time Holley has been removed from office – an unprecedented distinction.

Nathan McCall grew up in Portsmouth, wrote for The Virginian-Pilot and The Washington Post, and is now a professor at Emory University in Atlanta. He is the author of the book “Makes Me Wanna to Holler: A Young Black Man in America.” McCall penned a piece for The Pilot’s Opinion section today on the controversy surrounding Mayor Holley, and argues that he should be allowed to serve out the remaining 18 months of his term. I tend to agree.

Here’s McCall’s point of view:

HISTORY AND RACE AND JAMES HOLLEY