This Book

The first time I hopped a bus from downtown Omaha (over half a century ago), to the 24th St. Corridor, I asked myself, what the heck I was doing. 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 before it gets dark. 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 little shoulder strap purse slung over my shoulder, and an attitude of "Why", and "What the he**", over the daily reports of all the goings-on in this area. Segregation, discrimination, and busing...something my dad and I talked about, often. I went back a couple more times, to this world so different than mine, that shared the same boundaries of the city I knew. 

I abhor discrimination...it's 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 about the practice of redlining then...shame on anyone who was involved in that practice, in any capacity.

So glad someone wrote this book. I haven't read it yet, so I'm speculating here, but a book that addresses the issues that Omaha has had, with civil rights, segregation, and discrimination; that also chronicles the success of these exceptional athletes who grew up on the Near North Side, will be  difficult, due to the unnecessary injustice faced. There's still so much that needs to be done...so very much to rectify all the wrong.