BLOG: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
By Daniel J. Chacon, Rocky Mountain News (Contact), Todd Hartman, Rocky Mountain News , Jerd Smith, Rocky Mountain News
Published January 19, 2009 at 9:50 a.m.
Updated January 19, 2009 at 3:28 p.m.
Darin McGregor © The Rocky
Participants in the annual Martin Luther King Day Marade make their way down Colfax Ave, on January 19, 2009.
Video: Thousands of Coloradans gathered at City Park for the annual Martin Luther King Jr Marade, as the largest MLK celebration in the nation honored the memory of the Rev. King- this day took on a special meaning, not only for the struggle that Reverend King represented, but also because of the inauguration of the first African American President in the history of the United States.
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Photo by Darin McGregor © The Rocky
Thousands marching in Denver's annual Marade marking the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. makes their way down Esplanade after coming out of City Park on Monday January 19, 2009.
Photo by Darin McGregor © The Rocky
Annias Bill Reeves, 81, stands in front of the statue of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. before the start on the annual Marade to mark King's birthday on January 19, 2009.
Participants in this year's Marade celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day started at the King memorial in City Park and marched down toCivic Center. Three Rocky reporters reported live from the event. Todd Hartman was in City Park; Jerd Smith was at Colfax Avenue and Lafayette Street; and Daniel Chacon was in Civic Center.
1:47p.m.
The official program at Civic Center ended with a birthday song to Martin Luther King Jr. People are still milling about near the vendors and the rest of the crowd is leaving.
1:15 p.m.
Linda Childears, president and CEO of the Daniels Fund, is speaking about the importance of eduction. But hardly anyone is listening. She shouldn't feel as if she has been singled out. Speaker after speaker at Civic Center are being ignored by a large group of people at the end of the marade.
"They need to bee paying attention because this is real important," said Barbara Woods, 44. "This is the beginning of something really, really awesome."
Jason Alexander, 32, and his girlfriend, Courtney Heise, 19, said they should be listening but they're busy "mingling."
"I'm bumping into people I haven't seen in awhile," Alexander said. "There's a lot of sensory overload right now," said Heise, sucking on a blue lollipop.
The crowd seems to be dispersing.
12:12 p.m.
A diverse and eclectic group of people is gathered at the marade arrives at Civic Center.
They include Alonzo Muhammad, who is selling for $1 copies of The Last Call, a newspaper produced by the Nation of Islam.
“We publish the news so we can let everybody know what’s going on in the world,” he said. “We’ve been doing this since 1957. We’ve never been sued so that lets you know that the newspaper is a legitimate newspaper. It’s not slanted.”
Also in the crowd are recruiters with the Denver Police Department. They brought a low rider with hydraulics and a pumping stereo system and a white Corvette. Both cars have police insignia.
“Both of these vehicles we use during community events,” said police Det. John White.
“We use them as way to kind reach out to folks who may be car enthusiasts,” he said. “The younger kids can really relate to fast cars. We kind of use it to show another side of the police department.”
White said he wouldn’t mind taking the Corvette for a spin.
“I would love to take that out and do a little patrol enforcement with it, but unfortunately, it’s not really for that purpose,” he said, laughing.
Casandra Foster, 37, brought her two kids, her niece and her godson to celebrate the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Today means a lot because we have two different historic things going on,” she said. “One, Obama being sworn in tomorrow and then today is Martin Luther King Day. It’s big for everybody, not just one race.”
12:06 p.m.
The last big truck has rolled past. The flashing lights of the police cars can be seen descending towards Civic Center Park. One of the last men in the parade wears a red t-shirt with white lettering that reads: “Got Privilege?”
David Boyan, 39, owner of the Caffe Sanora is pleased. “This was the best one,” he says of the parade that has brought thousands of people past his organic coffee shop at Colfax and Lafayette.
“Everybody’s been slow. But this was good. Now I just have to figure out what I want to do for the inauguration tomorrow….maybe I’ll bring in a TV. I don’t know about a TV in a coffee shop,” he says. “But we’ll at least turn on the radio.”
11:35 a.m.
As waves of people arrived at Colfax and Marion, those who had been waiting all morning stepped off the curb to join the parade. "It's a sea of people," said one woman. An African American man dressed in a cowboy shirt made from the American flag, rides a bike along the sidewalk as the Starlight Drill Team marches past, keeping everyone in step.
11:20 a.m.
Glenn Wilson, 54, is a Mason, a member of Centennial Lodge No. 4. As he waits for the parade to approach, Wilson tells a story common to many in Denver these days. The journeyman electrician is out of work. His hope: That Barack Obama will re-start the American economy.
“I built DIA from the ground up,” Wilson said. But after losing his job at Qwest three years ago, he’s only been able to find part-time work here and there. What keeps him going are his friends at the lodge and his work on the board of the Sickle Cell Anemia Association in Denver.
And patience. That’s the hard part, he says.
“You can’t look for a job with attitude,” he says. “You have to keep a smile on your face. And my work on the board helps because you always see people who are worse off than you are.”
11 a.m.
Elinora Reynolds spent the weekend in tears.
“I watched many things on CNN this weekend and all I could do was sit there and cry because I tell you, this country has been through a lot,” she said. “But I think we’re on our way back up again and I am so happy to see this day.”
Reynolds, who is selling reusable water bottles for $10, is among a slowly growing crowd at Civic Center, which is where the Marade will end.
Reynolds’ water bottles contain a small American flag, red and white candy, a Barack Obama button and sunglasses.
“He’s one of the coolest, smartest presidents this country will ever see,” said Reynolds, who is black. “We’re proud to be here on this day to see this happen. This is a phenomenal day for this country.”
Reynolds, who plans to have a life-size picture of Obama next to her table later in the day, said today’s sunny weather is a sign from God.
“I think God is shining down on us right now and telling us this is a good thing,” she said. “This is good for our country. Barack Obama, just like Martin Luther King, Jr., is going to make some positive changes and hopefully change the mindset of people where we can stop looking at each other based on the nature of our skin but on something else. We’re all the same. We’re all the same.”
Reynolds is “50 something” and lives in Aurora.
Stevie and Laura Dunk, who have been married for two years, said they wanted to participate in the Marade but got up a little late.
“We weren’t exactly sure what time it started,” said Stevie Dunk, 31.“By the time we realized what time it was, we just came straight out and we’re waiting for them to come back and reconvene here after the march is over.”
Laura Dunk, 29, said today’s event honoring King feels different with Obama winning the presidency.
“We’re just excited just to see President-elect Obama go into office and also to celebrate Dr. King’s birthday as well. It’s just a different feeling,” she said.
10:45 a.m.
Just about on the nose, the parade steps off. Thousands begin to make their way to Civic Center Park.
10:45 a.m.
Colfax and Marion: About 50 students from PS1 Charter School are gathering, waiting to join the parade. “It’s a big moment,” says Jasmine Zion, 16. A senior, Zion is wearing a black T-Shirt with neon lime green and white lettering that reads: 1:20:09. “There is no reason not to be here today,” she says.
Her classmate, Dvonte Johnson, 13, is jumping up and down, dying for a chance to speak. “I know Obama is going to make a change. There’s been a lot of chaos and damage for the past couple of years. Obama is going to end that. I hope he brings our troops home from Iraq safe. It doesn’t matter who wins or loses," he says.
10:35 a.m.
Sheryl Renee calls this an "annointed day" due to the history to be made tomorrow, the pride felt by African Americans, the march today in Denver and stellar weather.
A graduate of Denver East High school more than 30 years ago, Renee has marched in the marade "as long as I can remember." She is joined by her daughter Ameerh Kindle and granddaughter Emani Fisher. "This is a special day," Renee said.
10:30 a.m.
Colfax and Lafayette: There’s no sign yet of crowds on the parade route but bystanders are gradually choosing their spots along Colfax Ave.
Leatha Ford has been coming to the Martin Luther King Day Parade for 20 years, but like thousands of other African Americans, this year is profoundly different.
“I feel real good about this,” said Ford, 55. “My mother didn’t live to see this day. But it feels good. We’ve made progress.”
Like others, Ford has great hope and deep worries about Barack Obama’s presidency. “My hope is that he doesn’t let us down,” she said, reverting to the “old boy ways,” of previous administrations.
Her fear is that he will be harmed. “I’m praying every day,” she said. “I hope he makes it through.”
10:09 a.m.
Tthe National Anthem is sung and people are slowing beginning to for a parade line.
10:05 a.m.
"This seems like a good year to walk in the parade," said Mark Pocernich, 41, of Denver. In the aftermath of the election Pocernich wants to see if there is a "change in tone" in the marade, making it "more hopeful, more optimistc." He anticipates there "would be more celebration" in this year's march.
10 a.m.
Civic Center is largely empty at the moment, but it will be brimming with people when today’s Marade honoring Martin Luther King, Jr., ends at the downtown park.
The annual event is expected to draw a record turnout, said Dwayne Fisher, 21, a volunteer overseeing the vendors.
“There are people from all over the state coming, and with the weather as nice as it is, they’re supposed to be expecting record numbers,” he said. “All of this will end up being packed with people.”
Among the vendors who are busy setting up is Elet Valentine, 35.
Valentine, a Denver native, is selling an assortment of t-shirts emblazoned with pictures of President-elect Barack Obama and the future first family. The t-shirts range from $15 to $20.
“I’m not trying to gouge the people because everyone wants a piece of history, and with the economic times, I’m just trying to make it affordable for everyone to have something to hold on to,” she said.
The t-shirts selling for $20 feature Obama’s face in either rhinestone or metallic gold foil
Fisher and Valentine, who are both black, said a portion of King’s dream has been fulfilled with the election of Obama, whose inauguration is tomorrow.
“Bringing a person of color into office, especially the president, is an extreme thing,” Fisher said.
Although blacks have made strides, Valentine said the country still has a long way to go.
“We’re not in a post-racial America,” she said. “We’re still in a pre-racial America.”
9:45 a.m.
Obama sings dot the growing crowd, along with signs that read "Happy Birthday Martin" and "Let us be more like King." Speakers are beginning to fire up those gathering at City Park Park.
9:05 a.m.
Crowds are trickling into City Park, gathering around Martin Luther King Jr.‘s statue and listening to his taped speeches broadcast on loudspeakers in the park.
Gorgeous weather could drive up turnout.
9:30 a.m.
Colfax Avenue is quiet this morning as people gear up for the work day and the giant parade. At Caffe Sanora, at Colfax and Lafayette, barrista Drew Livigni serves a customer and prepares the small shop for what he hopes will be a big day.
“It’s been a little busier than it usually is this early,” Livigni says, as an old Cat Stevens tunes play in the background.
9:19 a.m.
Trudy McClendon-Pugh is part of the early arrivers at City Park. She comes in honor of her deceased mother, Kathamay Hart, who participated in the march on Washington in 1963. She is wearing one of her mom’s old I Have a Dream buttons and holding a framed black and white picture of King.
This is her first Marade in many years. “This year is special,” she said, because tomorrow’s inauguration of Barack Obama will complete her mother’s dream to see an African American in the nation’s “highest house.”
McClendon-Pugh, 54, is here “to respect my mother, to let her know her dream has came true.”
9:10 a.m.
Rory McKenzie, 68, was watching the Marade crowd gather from atop his bicycle in City Park, soaking up the moment.
He was just a teenager when Martin Luther King Jr. gave his I Have a Dream speech.
“I m old enough to remember most of the stuff going on at that time,” said McKenzie of Denver.
His first son was born on the day King was assassinated.
He’s been coming to the Marade for 15 years and enjoys watching “all the different people come out here, all the nationalities. It's everybody celebrating a worthy cause.”
McKenzie, who is black, is eager for inauguration day tomorrow.
“Its a wonderful day tomorrow,” he said. “I’ll be glued in front of the TV.”
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January 19, 2009
10:36 a.m.
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forsbored21 writes:
When W Webb had the MLK Jr monument redone why can you find his name in a few places, but there is not a name plate for the four people who created the foundation for MLK Jr, as he stands on their shoulders. In my opinion this shows how self promoting Webb is. The names of Douglas, Gandhi, Truth and Parks, should have been shown along with their contributions. Webb was more concerned about himself than history and the details.
January 19, 2009
11:13 a.m.
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zerotolerance writes:
Wow I notice no one has any comments on anything to do with MLK. Guess the RMN readers would rather bash Obama or think about firefighters tires being slashed. Pretty much shows who is "supporting" this paper. I know I would never buy a copy, I see why its for sale... Little bit of racism involved here... ya think?
January 19, 2009
11:15 a.m.
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zerotolerance writes:
Oh and let's see when the Black history month articles come out on February 30th.... Which means they won't ever come out. I am really against the RMN and white corporate media!!!
January 19, 2009
11:43 a.m.
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MGD writes:
I can see where your name comes from zero.
MLK was a great man of vision. His message of peace transcends race. He got past it, will you?
It's not news anymore, this "Marade" has happened for a long time in Denver. It's not controversial either so people are not posting. Black History month isn't covered enough for you? Heck, I'm still waiting for Scandanavian History month. It's just another example of "The Man" keeping us Vikings down.
January 19, 2009
11:53 a.m.
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leatherneck writes:
zerotolerance writes:
I am really against the RMN and white corporate media!!!
Little bit of racism involved here... ya think?
YEA, YOU ARE THE RACIST!
why are you not at the Marade?
There is no White History Month, because if there was it would be racist.........
January 19, 2009
12:01 p.m.
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Francesca writes:
"MLK was a great man of vision. His message of peace transcends race. He got past it, will you?"
MGD, some people will never get past it and ignorant rants like those from zerotolerance (which is a very apt posting ID, btw) above are certainly proof. Eventually racist people like that will fade into obscurity. Some day.
January 19, 2009
12:14 p.m.
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leatherneck writes:
There are over 60 openly proclaimed Black Colleges in the US .
Yet if there were 'White colleges' that would be a racist college.
January 19, 2009
12:16 p.m.
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Timberline writes:
zerotolerance writes:
I am really against the RMN and white corporate media!!!
Sounds like you are against whitey in all aspects.
January 19, 2009
12:21 p.m.
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leatherneck writes:
A white woman could not be in the Miss Black American pageant, but any color can be in the Miss America pageant.
Seven black women have been crowned Miss America.
January 19, 2009
12:32 p.m.
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LoneTreeLady75 writes:
Leatherneck,
Most HBCU's were established in the late 1800's - early 1900's. Since they were established well before the Civil Rights Act, Blacks werent allowed to attend White colleges. Miss Black America was established in 1968 as a protest against the lack of Black Women in the original Miss America pagent. The fact that the Miss America pagent was created in 1921 and only seven Black women have been awarded the crown is why MBA was created. The Miss America pagent wasnt integrated until 1970.
January 19, 2009
12:36 p.m.
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Francesca writes:
leatherneck, all of that ethnicity-specific crapola is wrong and out-of-date. There was a time when these things needed to be addressed and dealt with. If you were alive during the dawn of the civil rights area you probably remember the horrible way people were treated.
But now, especially RIGHT now, with BO as president, larger proportions of people of all races will no longer tolerate these feel-good agendas that really only serve to divide people. It's small forums such as this one that start the small sparks that will lead to the bigger fires that some day will burn out racism and discrimination.
January 19, 2009
12:44 p.m.
Suggest removal
leatherneck writes:
LoneTreeLady75: why is it ok for black people to use the "N" word but if a white person uses it we must be racist?
Black people call white people: 'White Boy 'Cracker,' '?onkey,' 'Whitey,' 'and that's OK?
January 19, 2009
12:58 p.m.
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leatherneck writes:
My apologies Francesca and LoneTreeLady75, I am not racist. The people like zerotolerance, anger me greatly......
January 19, 2009
12:59 p.m.
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LoneTreeLady75 writes:
Leatherneck,
Racism is not ok period, no matter which side it comes from. However, as a Caucasian woman that was adopted by a Black couple, and that is currently married to an African-American man I can tell you most of the racism I have encountered in my lifetime has came from those ith the same skin color as me. I agree with Francesca, ethnic-specific programs, shows...etc are out of date now and completely unnecessary. The point of my previous post was to illustrate that HBCU's and MBA werent created without merit.
January 19, 2009
1:07 p.m.
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Willy writes:
MGD writes:
Heck, I'm still waiting for Scandanavian History month. It's just another example of "The Man" keeping us Vikings down.
I'm coming after you for reparations MGD. Your Viking ancestors raped and pillaged my English ancestor's. :)
January 19, 2009
1:24 p.m.
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Romanesco writes:
In the Marines, we did not make distinctions based on race or ethnic origin. It was simply light green or dark green.
January 19, 2009
1:24 p.m.
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sweetater writes:
LoneTreeLady
Me Too !!! Yep that's from who I have recieved the most racism from caucasians
January 19, 2009
1:28 p.m.
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MGD writes:
Opps, I outed myself. Uh sorry about that Willy, dark times and all that.
January 19, 2009
1:29 p.m.
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leatherneck writes:
Romanesco: And one Red stripe.
Semper fi Brother
January 19, 2009
1:49 p.m.
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truth22 writes:
Leatherneck, all races use some type of deragatory name amongst themselves at one time or another. Not that I condone it but it is meant affectionately between two people of the same race or etnicity. The "N" word is overused and I don't use it, period but me as a Black man should not call, say two people of Irish descent the "M" word or any other epithet to any other group like the "W" word(s) and so on.
January 19, 2009
1:59 p.m.
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leatherneck writes:
truth22: Touche
January 19, 2009
2:05 p.m.
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jersey writes:
LoneTreeLady75 & Leatherneck: Allow me if you will to offer my 2 cents as to your posts. You both make some excellent points and I will not elaborate on each and everyone of them. Leatherneck: Being an African-American male with a somewhat degree of intelligence it appalls me to no end whenever I hear an individual of my ethnicity use the "N" word towards another of the same ilk as if it was a badge of honor and respect, yet, be totally insulted and ready to fight if the same inflamatory word was directed at them by someone of another ethnicity. Being of the Dr. King era myself and knowing firsthand of the struggles to erradicate the association by those ignorant enough to apply it I know Dr. King would be cringing and rolling over in his grave whenever that "Badge" was uttered by the previously mentions today. Unfortunately and what's so ironic is I've only heard that practice used by, of all people our young people, the same ones he lost his life for many years ago in striving for the equality and acceptance they mainly enjoy today. Disheartening beyond belief! LoneTreeLady75: You are absolutely correct in your statement of racism is wrong, and I'll add vile, no matter who it is directed at. The ethnicity is irrealevant. Two wrongs have never equated to one right and never will. I know it is utopian thinking on my part but if we were to ever reach a point, and pass that point down to generations to come and have them practice it as well, to "never judge a book by it's cover", the bliss and serenity between all races would be something to behold!
January 19, 2009
2:06 p.m.
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leatherneck writes:
Never_Wrong: more like Never_Right
January 19, 2009
2:17 p.m.
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Willy writes:
Good post Jersey. I really believe the vast majority of Americans share your beliefs.
January 19, 2009
2:19 p.m.
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leatherneck writes:
jersey: Point well taken, I agree with you totally.
My son is 6 years old, and he will grow up without color ever being a factor, and never judge anyone by race. He will only learn "hate" and racism from history classes, not me.
January 19, 2009
2:31 p.m.
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COLibertarian writes:
Jersey
Well stated sir and thank you.
January 19, 2009
2:53 p.m.
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jersey writes:
To all who complimented me I sincerely appreciate it and thank you. One last thing. No one is born with mores and values already in place. They have to be taught, learned and incorporated. I was fortunate enough to be reared back East in a "Melting Pot" neighborhood where we, for the most part, trusted and relied upon each other for survival. The epitome of being our brothers keepers! Thanks again.
January 19, 2009
3:02 p.m.
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Duckster writes:
Yawn.
Let's not forget the REAL great American worthy of celebration today. It's Robert E. Lee's birthday, a long-celebrated holiday in much of America. And even putting MLK day on his day deliberately as a poke in the eye towards southerners can't erase the fact that he stood much taller and has much more character than King ever did.
There are no illegitimate Lee babies running around today.
January 19, 2009
3:20 p.m.
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truth22 writes:
Duck, what brought that bit of idiocy on?
The South lost so get over it and stop trying to use that worthless confederate money, stooge and since when did MLK have a child out of wedlock?
January 19, 2009
3:23 p.m.
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dirkle writes:
"Marade" ... about as lame a term as "sniagrab" ....
even Dr. King would grimace -
NEXT!!!!!
January 19, 2009
3:24 p.m.
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sweetater writes:
Anybody Here Seen My Old Friend Martin ? Who sang the song ??
January 19, 2009
3:25 p.m.
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LadyBird112 writes:
"There are no illegitimate Lee babies running around today."
Yeah, that we know of.
January 19, 2009
3:31 p.m.
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truth22 writes:
Dirk, those two lame terms got you to comment on them so they served their purpose, I'd say.
January 19, 2009
3:32 p.m.
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Barron writes:
leatherneck, silly, historical black colleges were created because at one time black people weren't allowed to attend other colleges. if you were black and wanted to attend college these were your choices.
January 19, 2009
3:35 p.m.
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seeker writes:
sweetater writes:
"Anybody Here Seen My Old Friend Martin ? Who sang the song ??"
Originally recorded by Dion I believe.
January 19, 2009
3:39 p.m.
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JamesTaylorSucks writes:
Hey Where can I get some of that marade? I need it to soak some chicken in before I grill it. Don't you really hate made up words?
January 19, 2009
3:41 p.m.
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sweetater writes:
Thank-you seeker, one I need for my collection.
dirkie "marade" is a combination of Parade and March. Many years there were marches trying to get this day recognized as a holiday. As far as I can remember our marches were the same route( only there was no statue) as the marade and we gathered people down colfax as we walked to civic center. All walks of life joined the unity in it is what we all need to remember.
January 19, 2009
3:42 p.m.
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seeker writes:
All words are made up.....at some point in time.
January 19, 2009
3:43 p.m.
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theairdog writes:
LonetreeLady, just because, in your experience, you have seen racism exhibited by members of the Caucasian race, does NOT mean that members of the Negro race do not exhibit it.
(Please note: the race terms I have used are the technically correct ones and are not meant to imply any kind of slur in any direction).
Jersey made the most intelligent comments today. I am a caucasian man, who was lucky enough to grow up in Baltimore as the only "white boy" in an all black neighborhood. I had no clue what prejudice was all about until I moved to the county as a teen. That was the first time I heard the "N" word - a despicable term. I was dumbfounded, since up to that point, all my friends were black.
However, I HAVE seen prejudice exhibited by almost all races. Leatherneck, are not Marines sometimes prejudiced against the Army? (And vice-versa). :-)
When I first moved to Denver, I sat next to a lawyer who was obviously prejudiced against Hispanics - many of the same descriptive terms I heard him use, I had heard applied to blacks back East.
Pre-judice simply means to pre-judge. Most people do that in some way, shape or form.
Again, as Jersey says, I believe it is a matter of education.
What scares me, is the prevalence of uneducated people in the US today.
January 19, 2009
3:58 p.m.
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seeker writes:
If one were to apply logic to racism, then people of color have a logical and historically rationalized basis for prejudice against whites. Whites have consistently dominated and exploited them over the centuries.
January 19, 2009
4:25 p.m.
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sweetater writes:
tylerfrost
Gangs Rape and Drugs,fatherless children see no color either they are everywhere every color every religion.
January 19, 2009
4:29 p.m.
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HopiMedicineMan writes:
MGD
Now that we all know who you are, you might find it interesting to know that Viking genes are all over the planet. One of the most interesting spots is Sicily where the tall, blue-eyed Scandi sons and daughters who occasionally pop out are considered inferior to the short, dark Greek-based population.
January 19, 2009
4:30 p.m.
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truth22 writes:
Tyler, what makes you think that all of these things have been achieved? This country has come a long way but all is not achieved. Though , I am not complaining or blaming. You seem to have a chip on your shoulder.
Cool it with your stereotyping rhetoric and smell the roses, big guy! Thank GOD all people in "your community" don't think like you do.
January 19, 2009
5:04 p.m.
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seeker writes:
tylerfrost
Perhaps your feelings are part of the reason equality has not been achieved. There are many that feel as you do and express it in their hiring and actions everyday.
It was always easy for me to get a job. From behind blue eyes and brown hair I was hired quickly. But from the beginning of my working days I watched as a worker & eventually as a manager what happened to people of color who applied for jobs. When I was in a position to hire and fire I tried to make a difference and did. As a business owner I continued to make sure that everyone got a fair chance at a job.
African American men are under employed and treated badly in our society. If you don't believe that you are truly out of touch. I told a story in a post yesterday about my son who found himself in a little trouble with the law when in his early twenties and in a local metro area jail. When we bailed him out he told us that the worst thing to be in America was a black man. How badly the black men in the jail were treated compared to how he was treated.
I'm sorry you can't empathize with others who find themselves at the low end of the economic and social ladder whether it's because of poverty, unemployment, race, gender, disability…..so many other reasons . My mother always says "There, but for the grace of God go I". On the one hand Tyler, you are blessed I suppose, on the other, you are without compassion. Compassion is a gift. I hope you get it someday.
January 19, 2009
6:35 p.m.
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LoneTreeLady75 writes:
Theairdog,
As I stated in my post, MOST of the racism I have encountered in my lifetime came from those that were the same skin color as me. Keyword there is MOST, not ALL. I have been treated badly by Blacks, Asians and Hispanics as well. Being a skinny white girl living in a predominately white neighborhood with Black parents was rough. Not only did the hateful comments come from the children, but also the parents as well. The "OH S***" looks my parents and I recieved when we walked into back to school nights, grocery shopping with my mother and pretending not to hear the whispers, and washing the car with my father while the neighbors watched in horror from across the street were all daunting and uncomfortable experiences that NO ONE should ever have to go through. It wasnt until we moved out of that neighborhood and into Aurora that I felt as if my family made sense.
January 20, 2009
6:26 p.m.
Suggest removal
Herstory writes:
Thank you Darin McGregor for this beautiful picture !