America Still Segregated on Sundays

I don't proclaim to have any great insights about racism or segregation, but like everyone else, I have opinions. I just read this article on CNN and it got me thinking:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/08/04/segregated.sundays/index.html

Am I comfortable on Sundays in an interracial church? Honestly, I don't know. I grew up in a white church, but we were liberal in our views. It is now a church of "reconciliation" It doesn't mean all the gays in Mesquite go there, but they are welcome. I still go there, but more for the music than anything else.

I have a few memories of really just not understanding the idea of being white or black. At one point in my life, I was attending NA for those involved with someone abusing drugs. The meetings were held at a black church. It was really a mixed group. And they completely accepted me. There were experiences we had all been through. I decided to visit the church. I was not accepted. It was very weird. I was not scared, but did not feel welcome or like I should even come back.

When I first began teaching school I taught at a racially mixed magnet school. Thirty percent were whites from the wealthy neighborhood, thirty percent were bused in Hispanics in the music or art programs , thirty percent were bused in blacks mainly in the athletic program, and 10 percent were "other" I think we had quite a few from Kosovo. February is Black History month, and of course we were having an assembly. They asked for volunteers for the faculty choir. I love to sing, so I was there. I remember after the program one of the teachers thanking me for "joining US" That is when I looked around and realized, I was the only white teacher on stage!!!

When I was in 8th grade, we had 3 or 4 blacks in our class. I dated the best looking guy. I have to say I was rudely awakened to discrimination. It was something I never expected. I had no idea that people would be angry at me. I don't know if that still happens, but it was scary. In fact, when I tried out for drillteam, in high school, the sponsor told me I would never be allowed on the drillteam because of who I had dated. (she actually used some bad language, but I won't repeat it)

Like I said I don't have any great insights or answers. I hope I can show kindness and respect regardless of race. My boyfriend told me even though I had dated him, I would never understand what it was like to be black. I now understand what he meant and that I will never understand.