I went to a small highschool which was filled with students whose skin was black. Approximately 85% of my graduating classmates were african american. We never had racial problems at my school in the 70s. When problems did arise they were usually between people who shared the same skin color. I loved my school and I adored my black friends. That's just the way it was. My opinions of people nowadays, as they were then, are formulated by my knowledge of a person's character; and not by the color of  his or her skin. I didn't learn this from Martin Luther King, Jr. I have simply followed my heart.

This kind of behavior was unheard of where I attended highschool, and I am so glad of it. By going to school all of my young life with children whose skin happened to be black, I learned so much about appreciating the differences in people; and more importantly I learned that the things we all have in common are what bond us together as human beings. Our diversity is also very important; we can know peace and joy through that which makes us different. I can honestly say I have never understood the racial issues between black people and white people. I believe this is because I was fortunate enough to live in an area where black people and white people worked together and played together, and we seemed to know early on, the ridiculousness of judging others by skin color only.

I'm not trying to paint a pretty picture of myself and tell you I have never lived with fears and misgivings about other races, or other people in general for that matter. That would be just plain lying to myself and to you. I've been afraid before when I stood alone pumping gas at a convenient store late at night, and watched nervously as four big dudes walked in my direction. But I was afraid because they were guys and I was a woman standing alone at a gas pump. Common sense told me to take care, but I didn't feel hatred in my heart for those guys. I've been afraid when I've visited other parts of the country where I know that the people who are african american exhibit prejudices toward caucasian people. I was afraid because those african americans didn't know that I was not against them. The prejudices we suffer when we suffer them, all derive from fear. It saddens my heart to know that these fears still turn into bitter hatred in many parts of our country and world today. We are taught to fear early on; but when we are fortunate enough to be involved with others who are different than us, it is wonderful because we learn there is no need to fear...at least not for reasons as shallow as the different color of one's skin. I was that fortunate growing up. For this, I am forever grateful.

You may have something to contribute to the Jena Six project. You may not be interested. Either way, I share this with you. The information was sent to me via email from an old highschool classmate who has asked those of us who would, to wear black on Thursday in an effort to show the african american people of Jena, Louisiana our support. There is a written account of the incident as it happened; as well as a petition supporting these young students in their plea for justice.

To my knowledge, a thing as lovely as a tree, is here for all of us to enjoy. I am personally outraged that an awful bitterness and hatred has come from such a thing as a child feeling unwelcomed to sit beneath a tree with others; others who are only different than he because they are white. Such foolishness should not be happening in our world today. It is wrong!! We haven't finished learning enough about the many causes of war, to ever stop it from happening; and that makes me very sad.