Oh How I Miss Them
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Posted By: Lorna Jones on July 26, 2010 Many years ago when I visited the US, I was always pleasantly struck by the friendly way in which African Americans greeted me and each other --- that simple, respectful, slight nod or slight smile from a brother and a wider smile from a sister --- meant and said so much. With every metre I walked or drove down the street in Oakland, San Francisco, the odd place in San Jose and elsewhere I visited in the US, not only was I warmed by the increasing temperature, but that nod or smile honestly brightened my day. They were like hugs to my soul. I soon discovered the best places for those hugs - events! I had moved here knowing nobody so that acknowledgement from a fellow African meant a lot to me. My stories back to friends in Paris and London were filled with mention of this slight nod or smile from African Americans in the streets and in public places. Oh how we wished we did the same in Europe. Alas, no. I tried it, honestly. More times than not I was greeted with a dead stare, or the person, if our eyes met at all, would quickly look away. I know others in the UK who also tried it but somehow they did not receive the acknowledgement sought. I now am visiting the US again. Where are the nods? That slight smile from a brother and a bigger smile from a sister? Surely, the economic situation has not destroyed that sense of brotherhood and sisterhood? Oh how I miss them. Perhaps I just need to get out more. Or look harder. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Lorna Jones
From private, CA UC, San Francisco class of 1996 Member Since July 2010 |
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