On this eve of a truly historic event, I reflect back on both the pre and post Civil Rights Act days (1964). When I was playing basketball in college, blacks couldn't play for certain "white" state supported schools like SWT. As we travelled in East Texas and LA, the Whites Only signs and segregated facilities were rampant. In my labor relations days in Rome, GA (1968 - 71), we had a wildcat strike because I gave a black a production job (Ain't no n----- can do my job!). Then, we had another when I promoted the same person to Foreman (I ain't gonna' work for no n-----!). Interestingly, many of the so-called educated managers were as bad as the hourly workers about blatant racism.
And we fast forward to tomorrow when we induct our first President of color, we, truly, "have come a long way, Baby!" In my opinion, we are a stronger country for the fact of the election. My fondest hope is that we'll be a much stronger country due to Obama's acts after the election.
But, as Dennis Miller says: "That's just me!"
Agreed! I really hope that this will be a turning point for the US.
ReplyDeleteAs a kid in school it seemed like such racism was ancient history. Now having lived through my teens and early 20's, it's mind boggling to think that all of the Civil Rights action occurred when our parents were not only alive but old enough to remember those times well. We were lucky to be raised by parents who taught us to love everyone equally. Thanks for sharing, Bob!
ReplyDeleteI spoke with the girls about the significance of all of this and I think Jordan gets it. She watched the inaguration in school which gave us more to talk about. There is certainly a hope in our nation at this point, however, President Obama certainly has a lot of hard decisions to make. We must pray for him!
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