There weren't many civil rights for the poor in West Virginia in the 1940's, nor for women, for children but especially not for the Negroes, now called blacks or African Americans.

Before starting school, we lived a while in Dehue, WV. There were quite a few ethnic groups represented there as many 'foreigners' were brought to WV to work the mines.. Slavs, especially Poles, lots of names ending in 'ski.' And, there were the Negroes. Dehue was a very small town, and there couldn't be too much space from family to family. I remember a little girl called Rosie. We actually played together, but that ended when school started. I was confused, and I missed Rosie. I asked my grandfather why Rosie wasn't allowed in my school. He explained. He said 'someday, that will end, and we will all be the color of autumn leaves.' We are closer, I guess. Is that a good thing or a bad thing... all having skin the color of autumn leaves? There are still many opinions.

I remember the local bus station vividly. The restrooms were downstairs, one for us and the other for Negro ladies. I always felt uncomfortable if I met one of them on the steps leading down. Even at that early age, I was ashamed of it.. segregation and all it meant. I could imagine how they felt somewhat for I, too, was an outcast of sorts. Both of our parents abandoning us made quite a scandal in Logan County in those days, and both of our parents were 'drinkers,' to put it mildly. Such things were almost unheard of. My skin is the fairest of the fair, and my eyes the palest blue, but I know about being treated less than human.

In 1957, WV schools were integrated. It was easier done there than in most states. There were only a hand full of students sent to our school,  Holden Central School but they made their mark. On the very day of that school year, my English teacher (I won't give her name in case she has children living), who was from the 'real' south, made two Negro students stand the whole class period, in front of the class too. They were not given seats. I forget how long this went on, but it made me miserable.

In our gymnasium, at lunch time, we were allowed to dance. I guess it was a radio playing; I don't recall. Many of us used to go to the gym just to watch the Negro kids dance, and they were quite good. All kinds of 'reasons' why they danced so good were discussed, and you've probably heard some of that.

Most of those Negro kids did not graduate high school. I don't know why but can speculate. I never saw another black person until I went to work in Washington, D.C. in 1960, where I was in the minority, population wise.

A few facts...

1949: President Truman issues an executive order that ends racial segregation in the Armed Forces.

1952: This is the first year in 71 years that there are no reported racial lynchings in the United States.

1955: The U.S. Supreme Court declares that public schools must be desegregated "with all deliberate speed."

1965: Martin Luther King Jr. is arrested in Selma, Ala., during demonstrations asserting the right of black Americans to vote. The Voting Rights Act becomes law. Malcolm X is assassinated. The Watts riots in Los Angeles last six days, claiming the lives of 35 people.

1968: Martin Luther King Jr. and Sen. Robert Kennedy are assassinated. Civil Rights Bill of 1968 is passed, with sweeping housing and antiriot provisions.

More to come...

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