Yes, I had a privileged childhood growing up. My dad was a very hard-working man who did very well financially. He worked 24-7. My brothers and I had the finest education any child could have ever hoped for. We had opportunities most people simply dreamed about. And I was able to pass the same along to my son and daughter. I am not embarrassed or ashamed of how I was raised— sure, no parent is perfect and there were plenty of challenges and disappointments growing up—but my mother and father taught us respect for ALL people, no matter one’s race, faith, color, gender, political leanings, etc…
The dearest person in my life was a Black woman named Corinne who helped raise me until I went to college. Though she has been gone for years she remains in my heart as my guiding angel. She had dignity. She had faith. At that time, her job prospects were extremely limited, being a maid was all she could be, despite her level of education. I can only imagine what she could have been in today’s world—maybe even our president!!! Living in Memphis, TN I witnessed the aftermath of the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Our city was shut down. Strict curfews were set. At the age of 14 at that time I could not comprehend it all. He was a very peaceful man with a vision of hope. My parents respected him. I clearly remember my dad telling the Black members of our staff how very sorry he was, how inexplicable his assassination was.
I grew up with truly remarkable people around me. Each one helped mold me into the person I am today. I am proud of who I am. I am not ashamed. Let’s all come together and do our part in helping make America the beautifully diverse and accepting nation it truly can be!
For more on my story and life with Corinne, I encourage you to read Smell the Raindrops. Though it’s a book I wrote more than two years ago, its themes of racial injustice, healing and reconciliation resonate now more than ever.
