Pennsylvania Pool Ousts Black Kids: Racism?

July 08, 2009 by Nordette in Race & Ethnicity

Democratic Rep. John Murtha got into hot water duiring the 2008 presidential election saying "There is no question that western Pennsylvania is a racist area." With today's NBC story from Pennsylvania, "Pool Boots Kids Who Might 'Change the Complexion'," perhaps Murtha's real error was that his assessment excluded other parts of the state.

More than 60 campers from Northeast Philadelphia were turned away from a private swim club and left to wonder if their race was the reason.

"I heard this lady, she was like, 'Uh, what are all these black kids doing here?' She's like, 'I'm scared they might do something to my child,'" said camper Dymire Baylor.

The Creative Steps Day Camp paid more than $1900 to The Valley Swim Club. The Valley Swim Club is a private club that advertises open membership. But the campers' first visit to the pool suggested otherwise. ...

... The explanation they got was either dishearteningly honest or poorly worded.

"There was concern that a lot of kids would change the complexion … and the atmosphere of the club," John Duesler, President of The Valley Swim Club said in a statement.

While the parents await an apology, the camp is scrambling to find a new place for the kids to beat the summer heat. (NBCPhiladelphia.com)

I grew up in Louisiana, and I haven't heard a story carrying such old-school "good of the club" racist action and language since I was a child during the Civil Rights desegregation battle.

UPI reports this same story but without the "complexion" part of the quote:

John Duesler, the president of the club, said the decision was not based on race, adding other camp and daycare groups also were canceled. He said the groups "fundamentally changed the atmosphere at the pool."

But (Alethea) Wright [sic] (a representative for the club) is not convinced, saying the Creative Steps children were well-behaved.

"We were the only minorities there," she said. (UPI)

I suppose someone brought the dual meaning of the word "complexion" to his attention. Oh, where is Dr. Paul Eckman when we need him to ferret out the lies?

At the Hinterland Gazette, also know as BlackPoliticalThought, a conservative blog, Janet Shan writes:

I don't want to jump the gun, but the club needs to release a statement supporting their actions. On the face, their actions seem patently racist. If they continue to maintain silence on the matter, the only plausible conclusion is that their actions were racist and people need to send a message to them that racism will not be tolerated one iota. Now if there were too many kids and they weren't behaving, then that could constitute a viable reason why they were asked not to come back. I would like to hear more about the agreement between the club and Creative Steps Day Camp. (Shan at HG)

Perhaps her attitude is the way to go, believe the club, look over contracts, don't make a big deal. Give the white people at the pool big benefit of the doubt despite this part of the story from NBC Philly.

"When the minority children got in the pool all of the Caucasian children immediately exited the pool," Horace Gibson, parent of a day camp child, wrote in an email. "The pool attendants came and told the black children that they did not allow minorities in the club and needed the children to leave immediately."

And naturally we should rethink what Duesler really meant in his original "complexion" explanation. This being a so-called post-racial society and all, perhaps we should assume the pool club members have been miraculously delivered of the racism associated with many suburban communities and think that the children misbehaved when they stepped in the pool because, after all, we know how some black children are and that all those children and their parents could be lying to cover up their behavior issues. Right?

I'm inclined to disagree this time, but at least one person commenting at Hinterland said what I suspect many Americans would prefer to assume reading this story.

Sorry, but I don't buy the story. When they reported that staff members said "we don't allow minorities here," they jumped the shark. Even if the action was inspired by bigotry, it's hard to imagine staff members being that forthcoming about it (and, remember, the camp knew the kids were black when they took the contract).

Next, c'mon, I grew up in a big city, and you know as well as I do that there is no way - NO WAY - that you can have 60 inner-city, low-income kids together in one place and have them behave in any kind of decent manner. (somebody called Paladin in comments)

This person may be a little sheltered because I used to work in Public Relations and customer service. Without training on how not to misspeak, employees will tell you the truth, especially employees who don't know that what they say may open a company or club to a lawsuit. Other stories about The Valley Swim Club report that the club later also rejected some all-white groups as well. I wonder if these groups got the "complexion" explanation or were they booted in the name of CYA.

Steven Reynolds at All Spin Zone, a progressive blog, seems to have knowledge of Pennsylvania and he's prepared to take the event on its face.

If you know anything about Philly, you know that Huntingdon Valley is one of those suburbs populated by refugees of the "white flight" of the 60’s and 70’s. This should be surprising to nobody. What I suspect happened here is that the manager of the club saw no problem with taking the money of the group, was comfortable with the difference in racial make-up of the Creative Steps Day Camp. But when reality hit, the regular members put on the pressure. Still, that can’t be proven. It can only be shown that the kids now have nowhere to swim. (Steven Reyonolds)

Yes, most major American cities that developed a large black community have "white flight" bedroom communities and also some private clubs for which the government has in the past made concessions to allow "lawful" discrimination. Furthermore, throughout parts of the country some areas have in the past had restrictive covenant communities where people have signed agreements to not let the Negroes move in. I don't know that this swim club has ever had such a covenant. Perhaps it only has an undocumented "gentleman's agreement." (Paragraph edited to past tense since restrictive covenants are illegal today but used to be legal until challenged.)

For a state with a Quaker history of abolitionism during slavery and a popular city called "The City of Brotherly Love," Pennsylvania's image has not fared well of late on matters of race. Think Ashley Todd, the Luis Ramirez beating death, Bonnie Sweeten, and now the pool ousting.

To be fair, racism is not limited to any particular area in this country or one political party or group, a notion those commenting on a Daily Beast story about race debate. A Louisiana Young Republican's Facebook account became the focus of an incident involving a supporter's use of the word "coon" and saying proudly that he was from a southern town where blacks shouldn't let the sun set on them. The YR, Audra Shay, who's running for chairperson, appears to have cheered on that supporter. Some people in her forum spoke out against the comments and her laughing it off.

Nordette Adams is a BlogHer.com Contributing Editor who is also the African-American Books Examiner at Examiner.com. You may keep up with her feeds at Her411

Comments

Emotional Molotov Cocktails for Two?

Gena Haskett July 8, 2009 - 4:39pm

There was a time that certain residents of the city spoke with pride about firebombing the first non-pastel person who dared try to live in a certain section of town. They have learned not to say it out loud. They still mean it but they have learned not to say it.

It seems that this was the kids first visit so they didn't have time to do anything; they just got off the bus. I know their pain. There is a similar memory locked in my head about Philadelphia.

I just relived a portion of that pain reading the remarks at the television station's website about the story. Old timey hate mixed in with NIMBY justifications.

Then certain people wonder with blinding hostility about "why we are so touchy about race" and how we hug the "victim mentality."

We could show them the child's face of confusion and disapointment. It wouldn't faze them in the least.

P.S. The Quakers come in the city to sell food and goods. They leave come sundown. About the only ones that do have good sense about faith, peace and respect. Just not enough of them to share the word.

Gena - Out On The Stoop

Pain Still Hurts

Gena Haskett July 8, 2009 - 4:42pm

Long after the event is over. Like years and you don't forget. Ever.

(Fixing an accidental double post)

Gena - Out On The Stoop

Moving comments

Nordette July 8, 2009 - 11:22pm

Thank you, Gena, for the moving comment, the first and the second.

Nordette Adams is a BlogHer CE & you can find her other stuff through Her 411.

This is why

Candelaria Silva July 8, 2009 - 7:36pm

we are not post-racial; cannot be complacent, don't exhale, and have to educate our children about the probability that they will face racism, exclusion, elitism while fighting against the same. Sometimes I want to stay in place to avoid having these experiences, but most times I say too many people fought for us to have access to give up. 'Tis a shame but not surprising.

Thanks for the post.

http://blog.candelarisilva.com

Good and plenty!

Thank you, Candelaria

Nordette July 8, 2009 - 11:20pm

I remember a white guy told me that if black people didn't like how they were treated in certain areas, they should just move. Hmm.

Nordette Adams is a BlogHer CE & you can find her other stuff through Her 411.

Coupla things

Jill Miller Zimon July 8, 2009 - 9:39pm

Oh, Nordette - this makes me so sick. Even I'm getting sick of writing about and telling others about how my 86 yo neighbor of 11 years who lives seven or eight houses away asked me what my religion was before he'd sign my petition to run for city council and then, after I said I was Jewish, told me that there are too many Jews in our small city (6000) already and so he wouldn't help me. Other residents of the town have been shocked that this still goes on, when they should know better to that it does (a month or so later, the 88 yo man killed the black guard at the Holocaust Museum.

So - this story about the pool just didn't surprise me - it sickened me that these pockets (are they even small enough to call pockets?) still exist.

As for the restrictive covenants, they have a very interesting history, but the US Sup. Crt did outlaw them in 1948 I think it was - I read a law review article about them -

http://law.case.edu/student_life/journals/law_review/51-4/Leeintro%5B1%5...

Covenants connected to land ownership (deeds) were used for a long time to control how a place looked etc. until zoning laws, by city, started to prevail and the courts outlawed the restrictive covenants that went against public policy, like restricting on the basis of religion or race.

Anyway - if I were a lawyer in that area, I'd offer my services pro bono. AND I'd be demanding a whole lotta community events etc. a la Paper Clips to get these people into the 21st century.

Ugh.

Jill Writes Like She Talks

Yes, you are correct.

Nordette July 8, 2009 - 11:28pm

In 1948, the US Supreme Court ruled more or less that racially restrictive covernants could not be enforced in a court of law, meaning the people who made the covenants couldn't be forced to live by them and a person that such a covenrant barred from purchasing or renting ended up possessing the property, nobody could take them to court and make them leave. A step in the right direction, but the ruling didn't do much to stop discrimination. In fact, the court made it sound like if people wanted to agree to keep black people out of their neighborhoods voluntarily, then that was o.k., as long as they didn't show up in court with that mess.

It was not until the Fair Housing Act was passed after MLK's assasination in 1968 that the government cracked down and put teeth into the ruling through enforcement.

I remember in 1978 having a hard time finding an apartment in New Orleans, being told by a landlord over the phone that she didn't rent to black people. She wanted me to know that just in case I was black. In 2006 in a NJ real estate course we were taught that an agent could have his or license yanked for even etertaining people who talked in terms of not renting or selling to people of a certain race and that sometimes we could be set up with plants to see if we were following the law. That didn't mean it didn't go on because some communities maintained "gentleman's agreements," unspoken agreements between neighbors to not sell to people of color. And sympathetic agents sometimes indulge in steering for "the good of the community" to blockbusting "for the good of making a buck."

Jill, I don't think we are really surprised that there are people who have these attitudes. I think what surprises people is when those with such attitudes discriminate openly.

But I know why you pointed out the restrictive covenant error. I should have used past tense and will make the edit. That's what I get for rushing to post. I didn't even catch it in the proof, but was thinking past, which is why I used the word "Negroes." :-)

Nordette Adams is a BlogHer CE & you can find her other stuff through Her 411.

You are so right

Jill Miller Zimon July 9, 2009 - 12:22pm

Where you wrote, "Jill, I don't think we are really surprised that there are people who
have these attitudes. I think what surprises people is when those with
such attitudes discriminate openly."

A few weeks ago, the Plain Dealer editor, Susan Goldberg, wrote a column about nasty comments on their Plain Dealer website, cleveland.com. And I wrote her off the record to say that the comments mean nothing - it's the fact that their an expression of hatred or anger harbored in people's hearts that's the most disturbing. So - yeah - I completely agree re: what suprises us is the openness of the discrimination.

But what depresses me if I let it is the fact that people still possess that discrimination, just BECAUSE. Not for any reason whatsoever - rational or not - just for NO reason sometimes.

Ack.

Re: covenants - yeah - Ohio had a sup crt case in the 60s too that had to reiterate at the state level what the SCOTUS had said but again, you are correct - I know in the 21 years I've been in Ohio, there have been steering cases. Not in the last 10 or so years, but for sure, in the early 90s I recall there being cases.

I guess we have to hope that expression can still make it all go right some day.

Jill Writes Like She Talks

They Don't Care - They Believe They Are Right

Gena Haskett July 9, 2009 - 5:23am

That is the terrible thing about this - they will pull up every negative news story about African Americans they have seen or read in the Phil. Daily News. They will employ the most idiotic reasoning to defend their right not to associate.

They will have the support of Rush and certain segments of a political party to back them up. Not that they need the help; this hate goes a long way back.

This is why white families moved to the suburban areas. When the law to integrate the schools took effect in the 60s this is when the white folks flew out of the city at a high rate of speed.

I've got stories of how angry a principle was about having black students when the year before it was a predominately white school. I was a little kid but I knew hate when I saw it.

You could start with this community but really there is an infrastructure in place that can't be "legally corrected." Education sure, but you have to be willing to listen and learn.

In certain sections of town they are unwilling to do either.

Gena - Out On The Stoop

I'll take "dishearteningly honest"

InkAndPixelClub July 9, 2009 - 8:04am

I can see no way that anyone could make such an obviously stupid and hurtful statement as "There was concern that a lot of kids would change the complexion … and the atmosphere of the club," unless they actually believed that. If this had been an issue of behavior as the club and their defenders are trying to paint it as now, then that should have been the story from the start. The statement should have been along the lines of "The kids were told to leave the club because the did (bad behavior a, b, c). We have clearly posted rules which we informed the adults in the group of beforehand and made sure the children were aware of. The kids were not obeying these rules. We warned them that they needed to stop or they would be asked to leave. They didn't stop, so we asked them to leave. Our rules apply to everyone who uses the pool, regardless of race, income level, or membership status and we would have done the same thing if any kid had acted that way." But that's not what was said so I get the distinct impression that it's not how it happened.

I've heard that another pool in the area heard this story and opened its doors to the kids, so at least they have somewhere to swim now. I just wish they had been able to enjoy a dip in the pool without having to learn that there are still people in the world who consider their presence undesirable.

EDIT: I thik I was so upset by this that I didn't fully read the statement from the club and didn't realize that the ostensible reason they give for making the kids leave is that they felt having a lot of kids at the pool would alter the character of the club. So we're expected to believe that these people either didn't realize that a day care group would be bringing kids to the pool or that suddenly realized once the kids were there that they didn't want that many kids around? Even if I believed this were true, it doesn't excuse what they did. The correct response if they honestly felt that way would be to tough it out for however long they has agreed to let the day care use the pool, wait until the agreement expired, and then say "Okay, we tried it out, weren;t happy with the results, so we won't be letting any day cares use the pool this coming year."

Sara

www.inkandpixelclub.com

Thank you, Sara. Yes. Another Pool Has Welcomed the Kids

Nordette July 9, 2009 - 12:16pm

Here's a link to the update from NBCPhiladelphia.com, "Campers' Complexion' No Problem for New Pool."

So the staff at Girard College, a private Philadelphia boarding school for children who live in low-income and single parent homes, stepped in and offered their pool.

"We had to help," said Girard College director of Admissions Tamara Leclair. "Every child deserves an incredible summer camp experience."

The school already serves 500 campers of its own, but felt they could squeeze in 65 more – especially since the pool is vacant on the day the Creative Steps had originally planned to swim at Valley Swim Club.

"I'm so excited," camp director Alethea Wright exclaimed. There are still a few logistical nuisances -- like insurance -- the organizations have to work out, but it seems the campers will not stay dry for long.

And to sweeten the deal, the owners of Gumdrops & Sprinkles treated the kids to a free day of candy and ice

The story also reports that Sen. Arlan Specter is "launching and investigation in to the discrimination claim."

Nordette Adams is a BlogHer CE & you can find her other stuff through Her 411.

it's a lesson being taught

laurie July 9, 2009 - 8:33am

I never ever say or think that racism is a thing of the past but this story made me weepy.

As a mother of two kids, I can't help imagine the joy of a busload of children being brought to play in a nice big pool in the middle of summer. I think of the disappointment when that plan is abruptly cancelled, at the last possible second. And I think of these CHILDREN being sent a clear message: you are not good enough. you are less than.

As Gena said, it will surely be a message that is never forgotten.

Laurie

The blog is Not Just About Cancer and the book is Not Done Yet.

Not new for Philly

sduncan July 9, 2009 - 11:01am

I lived in Philly and went to college there in the 60's living across from the Uptown Theatre, experiencing the Rizzo era and his armored buses to quell race tension. Before that, we would come down to the old Connie Mack stadium to watch the Dodgers play the Phillies and experience racism by Conductors on the old Reading RR. There was also the Move house "bombing" by police. Race issues in the area are not new and easily precede my experiences there.

OMG - The Stories We Could Tell!

Gena Haskett July 9, 2009 - 3:41pm

And you have to qualify the first MOVE house burning/police stomping vs. the bombing of an entire neighborhood.

The racism transcends color and there are few innocents other than the kids that get caught up in the poison of it. In that city it is almost like a badge of honor.

And yes, there are black folks perpertrating racist attitudes and behaviors towards other people of color, language and position. And Latino/a and other groups as well.

Like I said, it can be a multi-generation infrastructural infection that no amount of Facebook networking is gonna cure.

But illumination and a little heat is a wonderful thing to behold. Anything that can chip away the cynicism in my heart is a blessing.

Maybe this time...

Gena - Out On The Stoop

Good news: Another Camp Has Opened Its Pool to the Children

Nordette July 9, 2009 - 12:18pm

Here's a link to the update from NBCPhiladelphia.com, "Campers' Complexion' No Problem for New Pool."

So the staff at Girard College, a private Philadelphia boarding school for children who live in low-income and single parent homes, stepped in and offered their pool.

"We had to help," said Girard College director of Admissions Tamara Leclair. "Every child deserves an incredible summer camp experience."

The school already serves 500 campers of its own, but felt they could squeeze in 65 more – especially since the pool is vacant on the day the Creative Steps had originally planned to swim at Valley Swim Club.

"I'm so excited," camp director Alethea Wright exclaimed. There are still a few logistical nuisances -- like insurance -- the organizations have to work out, but it seems the campers will not stay dry for long.

And to sweeten the deal, the owners of Gumdrops & Sprinkles treated the kids to a free day of candy and ice

The story also reports that Sen. Arlan Specter is "launching and investigation in to the discrimination claim."

Nordette Adams is a BlogHer CE & you can find her other stuff through Her 411.

YES, Virginia...there is racism

Lovebabz July 9, 2009 - 12:24pm

I once was shopping in a high end grocery store here in Connecticut. I was looking at the fish and the Guy behind the counter said: "You can't use food stamps for shrimp" At first I wasn't sure he was talking to me. I mean surely he could see I had several degress, was a college professor and making 6 figures. No...he saw the Black skin...a stereotypical big black woman with a bunch of kids ( I have 4...I adopted)

I turned on my heels and went and found the manager and told him what happened. Needless to say the fish guy apologized in person and in writing. I responded on my then Police Commissioner stationary. Yeah these injustices are still with us.

Be outraged, but be pro-active and of course stay encouraged.

Be loving & Be in LOVE

http://lovebabz.blogspot.com

i bet he shook in his boots

laurie July 9, 2009 - 12:27pm

Babz,

You are formidable.

Laurie

www.notjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com

This sucks

Mata H July 9, 2009 - 12:58pm

That children should be put through this experience in 2009 is deplorable. Was there a disorderly kid or two? Maybe, but why handle that any differently than if the kid was white? You do what you are paid to do -- you keep order in the pool through proper supervision. End of story.

There is nothing these kids did to merit their expulsion, and I am glad to hear that at least a couple of organizations stepped up. These are just kids -- our kids -- American kids on a summer's day happy about a pool. Black, white, brown, beige, yellow, red, amber, mocha, tan, terra cotta or polka dotta -- these are OUR kids. We are a nation, and all in this together. It's darn time we learned that all kids are our kids.

Now, what is the punishment for the offending pool owners?

~~ Contributing Editor, Mata H. also blogs right along at Time's Fool

Facebook page to organize protests

kbojar July 9, 2009 - 1:45pm

Folks in Philly area have set up a facebook group to organize protests:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=99431878715&ref=nf#/group.php?gid=99431878715

Karen Bojar

http://www.the-next-stage.com/

You Might Have The Cash...But You Can't Cash In Your Face

msladydeborah July 9, 2009 - 10:45pm

Ms Lady Deborah

I have to say that the openly stated racist remark did not bother me. Why? Because I know about the attitudes in this portion of the Union. There is an illusion that liberalism is alive and well. If you live in this part of America you know what is true about that.

What did make me angry was what occurred afterwards.

There is no way that I would trust these people with the safety and well-being of my children. If their Blackness was an issue-why would any parent insist that their children be allowed to swim there? There is no way my sons would of put one toe in that pool without me being present everytime. It really made me angry that there were mothers who still wanted their children admitted.

While I am sure that their minds were reeling during this nasty little encounter, why would you want to economically support this particular organization. Not one dime of my money would they bank. While it is great to uphold the principles of Civil Rights, even Dr. King realized that when organizations like this one don't do right-you don't give them your money. Because up until those children actually showed up at the pool the payment was the right color. But remember the song that Stevie Wonder wrote back in the Seventies-You Can't Cash In Your Face...it was true then and if we thought it didn't apply in 2009-we've learned otherwise.

Just sad

Southerngirl July 10, 2009 - 7:21am

I saw a report on this this morning on CNN and the reporter was interveiwing one of the children who said he overheard the remarks. I was yelling nooo! But he talked about hearing a mom say to her kid to get out and telling another mom that she was scared they would steal someting or do something to her kid? My heart was just breaking then the reporter had to ask why he had tears in his eye and at that moment they started to flow freely as he said we are just like her kid. We are just children are are all the same. This kid was maybe 10. He will remember this s**t for the rest of his life. That interveiw just effed up my day. I was back in a professors office in 1984 listening to him tell me that he was indeed not going to put a kid out of the program for calling me the n word as I have to have thicker skin and I will probaly hear it again. If I want to be in this type of environment then I have to accept that eveyone will not be happy to see me. I was 15. The wrong check was returned, that lady's check needs to be returned! If the club has enough balls to do that I will send them the $395 to replace her membership even though I will never step foot on their grounds.

When will the other people in these situations start saying enough. Stop defending these fools and throw them out of your folds. This guy was also on TV saying no, this was not racist there just was not enough lifegaurds. Dude seriously? Even if that was his complaint to say no one made the comments these kids heard is just sticking his head in the sand or up his.... Ok, I will stop now. We have all been in homogenous company and hear these things. It is up to us to say nope do not bring that foolishness into my life keep that crap to yourself.

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." (Edmund Burke)

Start doing something!!!

Michelle

I blog at http://www.mommycan.blogspot.com/

The video

Nordette July 10, 2009 - 12:52pm

Michelle, when I saw the still pictures of the children on the video, I decided not to watch because I knew the clip would upset me. Even reading your description has me teared up.

Nordette Adams is a BlogHer CE & you can find her other stuff through Her 411.

Amused

Jass July 10, 2009 - 11:27am

This isn't racism.

It is a private club and the addition of a number of children could easily change the atmosphere and COMPLEXION of the PRIVATE club. COMPLEXION doesn't mean SKIN TONE. This is how the majority of all private clubs operate in this country. They don't have to admit anyone they don't care to. Just because the children were black doesn't mean it was racist to ask them to leave. If these kids were white and were treated the same way would this be racism? If they were asian? It's no wonder we never evolve PAST racism when this country is full of people who see racism in every little act; be it purchasing a vehicle or attending school. The world is not out to get anyone and nobody owes anyone anything. The President of the United States is Black. The leader of the RNC is Black. The best athletes in the world are predominately Black. The highest paid musicians are mostly Black. The head of Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac (well before he was removed for bankrupting both companies) was Black. Get over yourselves already. IT'S NOT RACISM.

And they took $1900.00 upfront for the kids because...

Jill Miller Zimon July 10, 2009 - 12:27pm

Why exactly?

Jill Writes Like She Talks

What Do You Mean "Get Over Yourselves?

Gena Haskett July 10, 2009 - 6:53pm

The day camp did not just pick this place out of random and demand to use the pool. There was a conversation. An exchange of money and a contract. The contract was violated as state by the facility, "for reasons of complexion."

Define Complexion:

the coloring of a person's face
a combination that results from coupling or interlinking; "diphthongs are complexions of vowels"
a point of view or general attitude or inclination; "he altered the complexion of his times"; "a liberal political complexion"
texture and appearance of the skin of the facegive a certain color to; "The setting sun complexioned the hills"

So the little kids were guilty of slinging diphthongs and vowels? Were they too inclinded to have a good time splishing and a splashing? Maybe it was too loud an Ayy instead of an Ahh that did them in?

What should I be getting over? Indignation?

The children got off the bus and entered the facility. The facility denied services paid for by the clients.

What should I be getting over? Justice?

Yes, the facility has the constitutional right not to do business with anyone. Every supermarket and retail place in the country has that sign. In that regard you are correct. The facility did not have to have the kids on the premises.

They made that decision after the children showed up, not before. Still, you are correct and facility did give them the money back.

If they were Asians kids that this happened to I would be equally upset. If it happened to the poor kids of Fishtown or Flowertown or Little Italy - predominately poor white areas of the city I would be upset.

What should I be getting over? My ability to feel compassion?

Oh, you mean how African-Americans, Black folks, Americans of African lineage will not be silent when we see a wrong that needs to be addressed? That is the thing I should "get over?"

Not while there is breath in my body. I will not let anyone disrespect any child - not matter what the background, yes, even Anglo-American children, and remain silent.

You can if you want to but I speak because it was wrong. It was hurtful. A hurt I remember. A hurt these kids will struggle to make sense of and when they do it will hurt twice a bad.

You are right. You don't own me a damned thing. Same here. Now let's walk into a post racial sunset of a weekend and pretend you don't see me for my skin, complexion or my heritage.

Gena - Out On The Stoop

wow. powerful.

laurie July 10, 2009 - 7:09pm

Gena,

I am emotional today but I found myself moved to tears again by this response.

It is one of the most powerful, moving, articulate things I have ever read. Period.

Laurie

www.notjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com

They Said What The Problem Was

Bill Cammack July 10, 2009 - 12:57pm

If the issue had been that the kids were acting rowdy, of course, kick them out.

The problem is that that's not what the club SAID. If they had said "You brought these rowdy kids here and you don't know how to control them properly, so for the safety of our regular customers we're going to kick you out", that's perfectly legit.

What they're quoted as saying has nothing to do with behavior, however. Unfortunately for them, these are the days of Social Media so if they'd like to make themselves international pariahs, they can feel free to say whatever they want about people and let it travel around the world. :D

~ Bill
I blog at billcammack.com

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