A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....05-02-03....Pippin's Thoughts

Billie and Mama_Bear | written by Pippin

[grantswank]

A ROSE GROWS IN THE EBB AND FLOW OF RACE RELATIONS

It’s Georgia. So does that say it all? I don’t think so.

That’s why Gerica McCrary cried. It hurt. It would hurt anyone who was idealistic enough to think that a new day had come, a new page had been turned, that a progressive generation had got hold of a level-headed concept so as never again to return to what was. That’s why Gerica cried.

The page turned forward and then slipped back. A year ago, she helped organize an integrated school prom.

It worked. Many of the students and adults who attended woke up the next morning thinking that the next spring would yield the same — a fellowship of blacks and whites, something unheard of “in the olden days.”

But it appears as if the olden days have caught up with Albany, Georgia. No integrated dance this year. Yet not everybody’s going with the segregated plan of a white’s only prom. There are those who have planned an alternative prom — integrated. Confusing? Yes. Part of the ebb and flow of race relations.

The integrated prom plans does help ease the hurt somewhat. It always does, that is, when there are the hold-outs for what makes sense in human relations. Yet Taylor County High has its split this spring season — those for an all-white prom and those who say that it’s more fun and more civil to go to an integrated social event.

Every year the juniors plan the prom detail. In 2002, they had one dance — the first integrated prom in the last 31 years. Tucked away in the countryside, 150 miles south of Atlanta, it went off quite well. No incidents except for a lot of good times had by all.

But as human nature often teaches us, race relations have their own seasons. Nothing is predictable — in cement. Each generation and each dimension of each generation makes up its own mind, decides for itself. So this spring, the junior class did not have the united front for an integrated prom.

Now the youths have to decide between, not only events, but friends. With 439 students, 232 being black, the confusion is a bit of a bump in the social relations road.

Nevertheless, out of such confusion often comes the blooming of a rose. This situation does have its rose. A black student is distributing invitation fliers to any who will take them. The papers welcome both blacks and whites to a May 9 prom at nearby Fort Valley State University. For those who can make the 50 mile drive to Columbus, it should be one very nice evening.

Maybe some sophomores will attend, get the happy bug, and so plan as juniors next year to ditto the pleasant, open heart of a dance that is totally color blind. Nothing like it.

[Aquamarine]

Another great photo, and yes, that song does apply to all pictured. Don't they all look so happy!

Don't we all ?! :)

Be back later...actually need to get something done today. ha!

[Mama_Bear]

I did switch it, but to tell you the truth, I put them side by side before I reuploaded, and I didn't know which was which.

No, you got the right one. I'm probably the only one who could even see it, but you know how it is....once you notice something. It looks better now. :-)

[The Thin Man]

Please be careful with your remarks lest he go from Thin to Thinner Man.
Do you want to be responsible for that?!!
I thought not!!

Yes, I would hate to have to go from "The Thin Man" to "The Stick Man."

[Mama_Bear]

I hope you realize Mama Bear that your tireless efforts at achieving perfection do not go unnoticed (at least not by me).

LOL! Good, at least I have the satisfaction of knowing that it is time well spent.

There are people who actually believe I enjoy exposing mistakes. That's so far from the truth. :-)

I'm sure! ;-)

[Pippin]

Hi, REV!

[ST.LOUIE1]

...another fine day underway, here in Freeperville

Always fine days at the 'Finest', yes indeed.

...the coffee is extra good this morning...I am in extra need...)

My treat at the local coffee shop then. : )

[Billie]

Speaking of that Pippin apple......usually, 'store-bought' frozen fruit pies that you bake...you know, "for that just-baked, homemade taste" (ha!).....taste just like, well, 'store-bought' frozen fruit pies. :)

HOWEVER, if there is a Sam's Club in your area, there is a "Fresh Pippin Apple Pie" that they carry that is so darn close to real homemade I buy it often, keeping one in the freezer most of the time for a last-minute dessert. They're good, honest!

Morning, jw - Pip, hello again!

[Pippin]

VCoffee, tea, hot chocolate from Carlsbad and great pics of GWB and a Wolfie at the Finest makes it a great day in Freeperville! :O)

[Pippin]

I never knew they were called Pippin Apples!

We always just call the green apples, LOL!

[ST.LOUIE1]

Uh-oh! Snorf!!

LOL! See what you started?

LOL!

Hey, if I disappear all of a sudden, it will probably be because of the storm. Big thunder boomers expected. I love storms!

Have fun! And hang on, Sloopybear!

[Pippin]

Are they picking on you again. Thinie?

[JustAmy]

"And I didn't call you 'Shirley', Sis"

Good .... I thought someone had deleted your spell checker. LOL
I get to gloat anytime I get here first which is not very often! ; )

Your Sis

[ST.LOUIE1]

Your tag....LOL!

Morning, doll! : )

[grantswank]

o



a field of daffodils brushed plain


a field of daffodils brushed plain
against the pine tree borders high
enveloped me on grassy knoll
as gentlest breezes sang their rhyme.

i closed my eyes, meandering
through memories past, sun's corridors,
until i dreamt in nature's arms,
content, at peace, as lost from time.



o

[Mama_Bear]

Thank you, Ms. Bear, for your lovely presentation of Pippin's inspiring words.

You're welcome. It's my pleasure to be a part of this finest family and to present our Pippin's 'Thoughts'.

Better batten down the hatches down there, storm coming in!

[ST.LOUIE1]

VCoffee, tea, hot chocolate from Carlsbad and great pics of GWB and a Wolfie at the Finest makes it a great day in Freeperville! :O)

: )

Er....are you wanting something from wolfie? LOL

[grantswank]

howdy and good morning to you. . .

thanks so much for the opening applause piece you provided re our grand united states president george w. bush!!!

g

[Pippin]

Now why would you think that?

Just because I want to be nice to you for the sake of being nice :O)

[Pippin]

You're welcome! :O)