Circa 2007…I lived in Alabama. I remember volunteering to read at a nearby elementary school. The story about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was chosen by a well-diversified class of third graders.
When the story was finished, I asked if they enjoyed the reading about Dr. King and explained how diversity was one of the stepping stones that led to the mixture of classrooms that day.
At that moment, a little hand shot up in the mix of students that sat before me. It was “Little Johnny” who was called on. Choosing him out of the crowd, I responded, “Yes,” with a smile. He took a deep breath and announced to the classroom, “My mom and dad… said that blacks and whites should not marry.”
I was at a loss for words as one of the teachers came by and swooped him up…and apologized for what had just taken place. I smiled, nodded my head in respect… as I gathered my things to leave… but deep inside I was confused at what “Johnny” had just shared from his parent’s perspective.
Remember, the fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree. We must teach love before they ever become grounded.
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