Growing up I didn’t know that their were any differences and I thought the whole world was the same color as I was til 1st grade when we moved from an all white neighborhood in Waukegan, IL with an all white kindergarten and part of 1st grade to Zion, Il where I spend most of my life.

In 1st grade, when we moved I went to Elmwood School and we were mixed in with kids of all colors. I wasn’t scared or anything. But we still were divided. It was like a dividing line. But that was back in the the late 1960’s and early 70’s.

The 1st people of color that moved in were the Meyer’s who lived down the street near the alley from where I lived. Then the Medina’s moved across the street about 2-3 houses down. Then we became an integrated community.

In school, I had some dear Black friends, Joann Lakes and Nicki O’neal. When I was 9 or 10 my dad asked me to pick 3-4 friends to come with us to the Science and Industry in Chicago for my Birthday. So I picked them along with my best friend, Cindy Christensen at the time. We had so much fun.

These girls had my back. Yes I got beat up because I was always one to tell the truth and the others didn’t like it. But that was ok.

I understand sometimes you have to take a beating by others like Jesus did to let others understand your love for them.

Today is a different world, But I would stand up for any of my black brothers and sisters who are facing uncertainty and Police Brutality. Because it isn’t right. No I didn’t protest this week. But I prayed and asked God to be with those out there protesting and keep them safe.