Party Like It’s 1899: What It’s Like Growing Up With a Segregated Prom

A sad time in history!

I graduated in 1960. Our senior class was the first one after the school was integrated. The first black students were recruited from the best athletes at the neighboring black high school (and a couple girls to keep them company, but not enough to provide dates for the prom). The most popular black athlete believed that he was popular enough to ask a white girl to the prom. Big mistake. I don't remember seeing him there. I'm not sure his injuries healed in time. Having witnessed that level of prejudice (and, as I have mentioned in other posts on RP, with a father at the heart of it), I have followed with interest the advances in interracial relations over the decades that followed. Slowly, almost glacially, improvements came and sadly retreated during the Obama Administration. It will take a tidal shift in attitudes on both sides of the racial divide to regain lost ground. I don't suppose I have enough years remaining to see it happen, but I can hope and I can wish y'all the best of luck. Personally, I would love to see the day when we stop tolerating our differences and start celebrating them.

SSG Shavonde Chase laws can change policy but laws cannot change thehuman heart. However, if individuals feels so strongly about a thing that they privately fund their socials, it should be respected. When people start to run down people and make them join something they do not wish in their lives, then slope becomes slippery to violating their rights and harrassnent. Great article.