Thanks for the book info.
I’m struck again by the CHOICE we make to be American- or make NOT to be.
Whatever our family origins it has always taken a few generations for “tribes” to become assimilated into the glorious mix that is distinctly AMERICAN. “Diversity” was a part of us whereas now it’s the thing to be valued above us, above being American. Making that choice is our undoing- the thread that binds us is unraveling into separateness. I’m homesick.
My parents worked hard to make sure we were not prejudice. Dad had worked on research for a case against the Klan when he clerked in the federal system and they never forgot.
He was the lawyer in town that people of color contacted when they wanted legal representation, often going to their homes so they weren't seen going into a lawyers office.
Our small above ground pool was opened when the city pool refused to allow kids to swim while visiting our community.
When BO was elected we were discussing him being “the first black president” and dad said he would also be the last. Not because of the American people, but because of Obama’s basic foundation. His presidency will humiliate so many when he is exposed that any progress our families have made toward equality and acceptance will be destroyed.
Few months back, BO had done something yet again, could hear dad yelling from the other side of the house. Went to see if he was alright...out of his mouth...through his tears came in a stuttering voice: “THAT D...Ni....!” Never heard it before, never thought I'd hear it from my father's mouth.
I grieve for my father, I grieve for families who have striven to improve race relationship. I grieve for America.