Bridging The Mississippi
Sandi and Denny Baron both were delighted they landed their first job with ease. Joy turns to surprise when they drive across the nation to find themselves the only White teachers in an all-Black school in New Orleans. Naive to the strong cultural divisions in the south, Sandi teaches her students how to read and write, and they school her about the realities of their life.
Hi, I'm Sandra Lee Baker Baron
I’ve been aware of racism since I was reared in the South. From 1967-68 I taught English in New Orleans at an all-Black, inner-city school. I learned how my White preferences gave me many opportunities that my students and staff had not experienced. My book, Bridging the Mississippi, is based on that inner-city experience and the adaptations I needed to embrace my first year of teaching, being newly married, and crossing color lines. The staff and students taught me ways to cross cultural lines. They held my hand and showed me how “to make do”. The Black community taught me their perspective and motivated me how to embrace change. Those lessons motivate me over fifty years later. I re-enter the blogging world, seeking readers of all cultures, who also regard concern for equality. My blog will showcase perspective and raise our cultural awareness. Join me in becoming a voice to help unlock the invisible chains still on our Black brothers and sisters. Let’s hold hands and dismantle racism together. Come along with me on my spiritual journey and share your knowledge in how to live through a constant changing world. Remember, it only takes one person to affect one other person, who reaches out to another person to start the ripple effect. Will you be that person?
"Art is man's nature: nature is God's art."
Phillip James Bailey
Stories and Life Lessons
Where They Are Now
Walter and his wife celebrated their 50th anniversary this year.
My Interview With NPR
Listen to my interview with reporter Julia Meeks of WBOI 89.1 in Fort Wayne, Indiana or read the transcript below. Audio link. Local author Sandra...
My Hope
I will share stories and articles of misunderstood prejudiced actions and reactions. Through sharing these stories, I hope to unpack the biases and...
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