Friday Night Football and Saturday Morning Farmer's Market


Friday night at our home opener against the Roosevelt Roughriders I was sitting a few rows behind our enthusiastic student section. While the small but mighty East High Marching Band was belting out the Star Spangled Banner, a thought randomly entered my mind.

You see, within the venerable Duke Williams Stadium nearly the entire kaleidoscope of the human community stood respectfully shoulder to shoulder. This cross-section of the world's people walk through our hallways daily and on Friday nights during the Fall show their school spirit at the gridiron. Last night before my eyes were students of Nordic, West African, Southeast Asian, Central American descent as well as every other shade, hue, and combination. 

I couldn’t help thinking, “Mr. President you cannot stop this change which is evidenced right here in front of me. The days of your America are over, you just don’t know it yet. Long after you are gone (and hopefully forgotten) this diverse mix of young adults will be the leaders of a vastly more just society. Thank heavens.” 

By the way, these teenagers were just so well-behaved and represented our school and community in an extremely positive manner.

And then a few hours later I woke up and drove bleary-eyed from the Southside to the Downtown Farmer’s Market. 

While paying for some produce, the young adult helping me looked vaguely familiar so I asked if she was a student at East. She confirmed yes she is. We chatted a bit and eventually said “See you around.” 

I cannot share her name, but you should know this daughter of Southeast Asian descent is a straight A student, takes nothing but advanced, college-level classes, has perfect (not just good, but PERFECT) attendance and behavior.

And she is up before the sun on a weekend morning helping out at her family’s produce stand.

She is a winner and yes, the diversity we enjoy thanks to immigration strengthens our nation and will enrich our collective future.

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