Karen Beyerle (Binkoski)
Maybe just one student as a trial for US. Plus, Mr. Stevenson followed him around/ escorted him between classes at each change, and there was only one Mr. Stevenson. :) Having spent extended time in most sections of America I can attest that as much as we all would hope for a difference, prejudice, whether against Native Americans, blacks, Hispanics, Muslims, gays, Jews, Asians, etc., etc.,etc., is alive and well. I often wonder if it is part of the genetic fabric of humanity to fear..or hate..or distrust..those who are different from one. Thank God for people like Rev. Charles who teach us to be better than we would be, to reach for a higher standard.
I tell the story of being "the first girl from Alabama" to have a black roommate when I went to U. of Missouri. It was a test by the university as well. Upon meeting me that first day, Cheryl's younger brother rushed downstairs to fearfully tell their parents the roommate was a white girl from ALABAMA, images of the AL church bombing of the children the year before still fresh. Cheryl in the years since has given talks about our experience [we were just like any other dorm roommates] and, as a successful entrepreneur in Dallas, she mentors young businesswomen. We still love each other. There is hope for us humans!
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