So I purposely didn't put anything w/ the article other than the link, as I didn't want to poison the well with my opinion.
I get where he's coming from, I do, in the context he provided, I can be sympathetic to the emotions felt. It's rather similar to the Confederate Flag issue, in that sense.
I hate it ends in firing, because I don't think he was trying to be hateful, but he spoke with a context many can understandably relate to, given the history. With that said, I'd rather have seen it turn into a point of dialogue for learning rather than another mob rule takedown.
In the end, historical context isn't grounds for inequality today. No matter who wields said context.