ABSTRACT
There have been a number of experiences that have, um, shaped my life, and if I had to recall one that is probably at the forefront of my experiences. I, uh, grew up in East St. Louis, Illinois, district 189. Jonathan Kozol identified district 189 as a desperate school corporation. Ninety-nine percent of the population is African American to this day, and I went through elementary school and junior high school at that time. After junior high school, I moved to St. Louis County, and I attended a high school, McCluer North High School, which was out in the country, an all-white area. I was one of probably six African Americans in the school, and, um, I had an experience that I reflect upon. I’ve reflected upon that, countless times throughout my life.
