“‘Within five months of the third march, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965.’”

“That’s the end. By the way, I got an A on the paper.”

“Thank you. It brings back memories of Brother during those hard times. We forget too soon.”

***

The funeral began at eleven Sunday morning. Jorden looked at the crowd as the last people arrived. Most of those attending were family and friends, with a sprinkling of his customers from the grocery store. After the service, quite a few people lined up to share their condolences with Jeanette and Uncle William’s two grown children and grandchildren.

Jorden noticed a heavy set Black woman with three children and a young man, in uniform, waiting in line to pay their respects. Jorden watched them out of curiosity as they moved up the line and stood face to face with Jeanette. Jorden was close enough to hear their voices.

“I’m so sorry about your husband. He was kind and helpful to my family. I’m Etta May and these are my children.”

“I know you!” Jeanette exclaimed, “William mentioned you often. You were one of his favorite customers. It’s so good to meet you and your children. This young man, is he your oldest?”

“Yes. Jeremy is eighteen and has just joined the army. We’re very proud of him.”

The chatter continued a while longer. Jorden looked on and realized it would take time to heal the barrier between the races, if ever, but she was delighted she got to see Etta May and her family. She tried to catch them, but they were gone before she could reach them.

Jorden stood there looking at the crowd while her thoughts digressed to the XIX Olympic Games in Mexico City. Her students went crazy over the Olympic events, especially the 200 meter race. A date stuck in her mind—it was October 16, 1968. Two Black athletes—Tommy Smith won the gold medal and John Carlos won the Bronze medal. She remembered the local newsman, Scott O’Brady, and his words describing the two Black men.

They stood on the Olympic Podium shoeless, wearing black socks, with their heads lowered and at the same time each raised a black gloved fist showing a symbolic move which displayed rebellion and was eventually labeled the Black Power salute.

O’Brady implied this act was brought on by racial and political unrest in our country.

Jorden couldn’t forget how Justin went crazy when he watched it on the news. They had quarreled over it. Alex, even though she was angry at him, would likely applaud the athletes for their courage.