I remember the very first time I was called the N-word. I ran home to my Mother, confused and then angry. She sat me down and shared with me her struggles and experiences, as well as those of our family. I found some comfort in her words and stories.

Watching the news over the last several weeks has brought back those feelings of anger and confusion. Seeking some sort of perspective, I once again ‘ran home to my family’ as I did when I was a child. My Uncle Robert (pictured as a young boy) shared his thoughts.

“At the age of 88 years and thank God that I still have my cognitive skills. I listen to young guests on CNN and NBC express their comments. Many of them are Black and White who have scholarly degrees in African American Studies and normally concentrate on slavery, civil war, civil rights movement, etc.

Unfortunately they do not discuss the intricate aspects of the segregated years that I and others have lived. These years are significant in telling some Blacks Whites Hispanics Asians and European Immigrants. The majority of White schools do not have courses that address this. Some Black schools will have Black Studies but do not deal with the segregated years.
I have made a list of what I experienced in the segregated years I have lived.

1. Born at home delivered by a Black Doctor.
2. Attended Black Public schools to include College.
3. Denied admission at White state School of Missouri.
4. Had to go to Black Theatres Hospitals
5. Could not go to White parks Swimming and Skating rinks.
6. My parents were denied Ordinary Insurance Policies had to buy term insurance.
7. Lived in segregated sections of Washington DC and St. Louis Mo.
8. In my Communities I saw All Black segregated Police Fireman And no Black Bus drivers.
9. I was a counsellor in all Black Optimist summer Camp.
10. My father was an Executive Secretary in the All Black YMCA.
11. I was a member in all Black Cub Scouts.
12. I marched in a parade with Safety Patrols. I was a lieutenant and still have my badge today.
13. When I travelled to the South with my college Debating Team, I saw first hand real segregation, drinking fountains for Blacks. I had to get a sandwich from the back door of the restaurant.
14. While living in Anniston, Alabama, I had to attend the all Black Catholic Church.
15. There were some Whites Gasoline stations that served White Only.
16. There were separate restrooms for Blacks and Whites
17. I recalled filling my car with gas at a Shell station outside Montgomery, Alabama. I asked the attendant for a restroom, he said none for Blacks I said I need to use the other one he said no.
18. I have experienced many instances with White Policemen some good and some bad.
19.  As a child I remember trips to New York and eating cold chicken sandwiches my Mother prepared because the Howard Johnson Restaurants did not serve Blacks.
20. When my parents travelled from St. Louis to Washington we did not have a Green Book but my Dad had list of places where we could stay overnight, such as the YMCA, YWCA and private homes.
21. When I reported to active Military services in 1955 my orders included ‘Negro’ or ‘Number 2’.
22. As an escort Officer of a deceased Vietnam Major I was told that there was a policy that Blacks Escort Blacks and Whites Escort Whites.

Then many more stories that I can tell, I believe telling it like it is. During my time of living in the segregated years, there were only one minority of Color: a Black Man Black Woman and Black Child. No BAME

In conclusion I believe there are a majority of policemen dedicated to serve and protect all people. As a child I recall seeing our friendly policeman who had a beat in our neighborhood and across the street from our house was the Police and fire phone box. He knew the residents and we knew him. He was not driving in a car.

Yes I can understand that I had lived to see a need in the young more educated and determined generation that have the desire to face their future without the obstacles that I faced. I believe that I have all the justifiable reasons that if I could physically protest peacefully, I would be marching today. I have lived in my own time and with God Blessings
I will continue.”
Robert E Greene

Uncle Robert’s words reminded me of how hard the struggle has been to get to 2020. They also reminded me that progress and change does occur, across generations if not overnight. Whether or not the current spotlight remains on the issue, my own journey to make change will continue to be informed by the experiences, strength and hope of those who came before me.

Thank you, Uncle Robert.