This Book

I hopped a bus from downtown Omaha (when I was around sixteen years old), to the 24th St. Corridor. No one knew where I was, because you just didn't tell your parents, "Well, I'll see you later. I'm going to catch a bus from downtown to the Near North Side, and see with my own eyes what's going on up there. I see it on the news, and read about it in the paper all the time, so it's time I see for myself. I'll definitely be home for dinner. Don't worry, I'll be fine." Yep.

It's a picture that comes to mind, now and then. Me, on the bus, sporting a look of confidence, with a  purse slung over my shoulder, and an attitude of "Why", and "What the he**", over the daily reports of goings-on in this area. Segregation, discrimination, and busing...something my dad and I talked about, often. 

I abhor prejudice and discrimination...something I have no tolerance for...none..at all. I loved the school I attended, but there was no diversity, and I know it would have been good for all of us, if there had been. Also, I didn't know then, about the abhorrent practice of redlining...resulting in segregation and living conditions far from desirable, for minorities forced into this.

A good thing, that I happened upon this book. It's an eye-opening read, and even though I was somewhat knowledgeable back in the day, by following this and by staying as well-informed as I could as this was happening, there was still so much I didn't know. How can we all not struggle with the prejudice and inhumanity that exist in this world. Let's be better.