As black folks or as folks period in this country, I should say, there are many things we take for granted that if taken away would boggle our minds. My kids would look at me funny if I told them we couldnt go to THAT store, eat in THAT restaurant or drink from THAT water fountain. Yet, in my parents lifetime as kids--THAT was the reality. But 50 years ago this country took a real step towards remedying the ridiculousness of racism in passing the Civil Rights Act of 1964. But 25 years before that (1939), in a world where open doors were locked to people that looked like me, the Hansens opened the doors to their new shop Hansens Sno-Bliz wide. It didnt take a civil rights act for them to act and operate a business that was clearly consistent with their personal values and beliefs. Everyone of every color was welcomed & served. Fast forward to today and their granddaughter Ashley keeps that tradition alive. Rewind to the mid-late 90s and youd find me in New Orleans. I went to college there to study to become an Occupational Therapist. And at LSUMC I met Ashleys twin sister Allison. Allison and I quickly became dear friends. She soon introduced me to her family. They welcomed me into their home, into their lives and into their family [Im the third twin :)]. I love them, their forward thinking, their community spirit, their personal accountability, their civic pride, their unconditional love and yes...their Sno-balls! If youre EVER in New Orleans you HAVE to go!
Posted on: Tue, 01 Jul 2014 00:31:55 +0000