Los Angeles, Mar 3 (AFP) A California mayor who sent an email depicting a watermelon patch in front of the White House has resigned his council seat after an outcry condemning the message as racist.
Dean Grose, mayor of Los Alamitos in the southeastern suburbs of Los Angeles, has said he was not aware of the racial stereotype associating watermelons with African-Americans.
His email, sent to other Los Alamitos council members and city officials, showed rows of watermelons spread out on the White House lawn with a slogan"No Easter egg hunt this year."
Grose initially had said he planned to continue as a council member but would step down from his ceremonial post as mayor.
However yesterday he said he was resigning from all positions"for the love of my community and the health and well-being of my family."
Grose, who apologised for sending the email, said he has sought counseling"to acquire greater sensitivity following this incident.
Dean Grose, mayor of Los Alamitos in the southeastern suburbs of Los Angeles, has said he was not aware of the racial stereotype associating watermelons with African-Americans.
His email, sent to other Los Alamitos council members and city officials, showed rows of watermelons spread out on the White House lawn with a slogan"No Easter egg hunt this year."
Grose initially had said he planned to continue as a council member but would step down from his ceremonial post as mayor.
However yesterday he said he was resigning from all positions"for the love of my community and the health and well-being of my family."
Grose, who apologised for sending the email, said he has sought counseling"to acquire greater sensitivity following this incident.