It Still Exists

Today reminded me of an older friend that has since passed. She was black, a doctor at UCLA. In the days of segregation, she could not go into certain restaurants with her colleagues due to her race. They would all leave with a few choice words left behind. She never said a word, telling me she was use to it. With all of her education and what should have been prestige, only her family and colleagues could appreciate it. The curious person that I am began to ask many questions. She would answer as i would feel my heart sink at the answers she gave. She never said she was bitter, just talked in a matter of fact way. If we were out shopping especially in a high end store, I was asked to be waited on, she wouldn't. She was the one set out to buy those expensive things, and did, not hesitating as she went about picking them out. As she went to pay a look of astonishment came across the sales persons face. I was beside myself with fury, she just took it in stride. I at one time expressed my dislike in shall we say UN-lady like way. She told me quietly, no need for you to get so upset, "it happens". I have never been a prejudice person and do not understand what the color of ones skin has to do with the person themselves. Even after all the years and Martin Luther King's accomplishments, it still exists. I see it more often than it should be. Although it gets better as the years pass, "It still exists"!