by Nancy Schultz, Becketwood Member
It was my first Summer Job [at the Calendar Factory in downtown Minneapolis in 1946] and now it was over. I had met a wonderful “older” woman who taught me so much in the two months I worked there. She was so smart and answered all my many questions.
She kept our bathroom neat and clean and always had a smile on her face. I often wondered why she liked cleaning the bathroom??
On the last day, we “summer” workers were going to lunch to say Good-bye. I asked my good friend to come as I wouldn’t be seeing her again. I was surprised when she refused.
Maybe she can’t afford to go. I offered to pay for her.
“No.” We could go “Dutch”? “No.”
I couldn’t understand. Finally she said, “ They won’t serve me.”
Now I really didn’t understand. Why wouldn’t they serve her? Did she steal something?
She finally looked sadly at me and said, “BECAUSE I’M BLACK!”
Nancy Schultz is Becketwood’s longest residing Becketwood Pioneer.
Wow! Stories that need to be told.
Heat breaking – we still have a long ways to go.
Thank you, Nancy. What a poignant story!
Thank you, Nancy for sharing that experience with your friend!! Our heartbreaking history!!
Heartwarming story. We have come a long way and yet could always do more. It is wonderful that your eyes saw a friend and human being- through a colorless lens.
Thank you for sharing and caring Nancy. My first thought was “I wish I could share this with Jack.” He had a similar experience while on a chorus tour in the south when he was in seminary. I will share it with you sometime.