A Bright Spot

     The room sparkled.   The setting-sun added a warm glow over the dining room table, surrounded by women of color, women of all hues, adorned in yellow and white.   Copies of "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf" were sprinkled across the table top, along with wine glasses and yellow rosebuds taking in refreshment from clear glass vases.

      The conversation was rich and intellectual about the young woman, a former child witness, who had survived decades of agony to finally tell what happened to Carol Jenkins back in 1968.    

       But what was most astonishing were the stories and warnings these women had received over the years about the Jenkins case and more importantly the town where it happened.   Martinsville.

Many of these professional and educated women relocated to the Indianapolis area in the mid 1990's or early 2000.   Yet they were welcomed with a similar speech I received when I came to town 20-years ago.   It goes something like this, "Don't go to Martinsville alone and never after dark," or "If you're going to Bloomington, don't stop in Martinsville!"

       It dawned on me just how much work still remains for the City leaders of Martinsville.    Some residents simply thought the arrest of Kenneth Richmond for the crime would absolve the town of its racist reputation.   Here we are 10-years later, and it appears the stain of that rainy September night is just as evident.   Perhaps like any bad stain, it's a little faded, but very much entwined in the perceived fabric of that community.

       Perhaps its the same phenomenon that has taken Paula Deen captive.   It may have something to do with comfort.   Specifically, someone feeling comfortable enough to say or act egregiously in the presence of a group, believing that group is tolerant or accepting of that behavior.   It is in those places where character is exposed. 

       Kenneth Richmond yelled racial slurs at Carol Jenkins before he attacked.  The only ears that were disturbed by his obnoxious outcry were those of his own little girl, riding in the back seat.   For his unknown co-conspirator, it was nothing more than a signal of the evil to come.  They spoke the same language and in that instant took comfort in their shared hatred and deviant behavior.

        Moving forward, we must all give pause to our comfort zones and the messages we relay.  Is it something we will later have to live down?

       I'm  inspired by the women who shared their perspective on "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf."  There was a bright spot in Indy that night, as these women of various backgrounds and brown hues, elevated a discussion about compassion, justice and race.  A crystal clear message about growth and change, that carried no shame.

       

       

      

       

      

The Arrests

It was on this day 11-years ago the call came.."Get to Martinsville right away, there's an arrest in the Carol Jenkins Murder Case!" Kenneth Clay Richmond was charged after 33-years of tears and frustration. Carol's family would learn Richmond's own daughter lived with the secret.

That day, Carol Jenkins' family walked into court to face the man accused of the brutal killing of their daughter.  It's an image permanently etched in my mind.  There aren't words to adequately describe the atmosphere that day as tears streamed down Carol's father's face.  

I'm reminded of that emotion with the developments in Cleveland, where three missing girls were found after 10-years in captivity.  In both cases the families have endured incredible emotional suffering, waiting to find out what happened to their loved one.   The not knowing and quest for answers year after year after year.

It is a miracle that the three women survived.  They have a long road ahead of them.  But today their families can set aside at least one burden.  They now know something.   For any parent, that's important.  It doesn't explain the whys or take away the grieving over what has happened, but at least they can rest in getting truth.   

Today as Carol's family walks through this day, my hope is there is some peace in knowing at least one of the men involved in their daughter's case admitted to police his involvement.

Honoring The Girl in the Yellow Scarf

     Carol Marie Jenkins would have turned 66-years old this month.  Unfortunately the year she officially became an adult, she became a murder victim.  

     It's hard to imagine what Carol's life would be like today if she had been allowed to choose a career  and/or marriage.  Where would she have settled down, how would she have impacted her community, and if she had lived, what would she want for the next generation?   Unfortunately, we'll never know the answers to those questions.  But in the 21-years that Carol lived we do know she loved people, she desired to achieve more than the status quo of her day, and she was willing to venture out to seek change.  And because of that I believe Carol would be thrilled to see girls dreaming big dreams  and rising up as women to take on leadership roles unlike anything imaginable in the '60's.    I believe she would applaud a cooperating spirit, helping to bridge gaps between those who are different.  And I believe she would find satisfaction knowing a single voice can speak truth to the world and bring healing.

    Happy Birthday to "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf"

New Beginnings

     This is the time of year to celebrate new beginnings.   Christians around the world share the message of the cross and the birth of a new covenant through the death, burial and  resurrection of Jesus Christ.
It's a triumphant time, one that brings the hope of eternal salvation, a new life and purpose for those who believe.   In other words a fresh start, and the promise of daily renewal along the way.   It's a gift.
 
       There's no better time to celebrate rebirth, than the spring, when the temperature gradually warms and winter's last grip slips away.  The burst of color that magically takes over our dormant landscape is a welcomed sight.   You can feel the energy in the breeze and in the smiles of those soaking up its beauty.   It's a yearly revival that reminds us of the cycle of life, and ushers in an excitement that comes with a budding season.

      It's been almost a year since the release of  "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf."   Yet this title is still expanding its platform.  In the first three months of 2013 our focus has naturally evolved to include the hope of rebuilding lives.   In February, our spotlight on black history month took us to the Pike Township Public Library for a "meet and greet."  There we talked with students, professionals, moms and dads who all took a moment to interrupt their evening for a chance to share their own goals, concerns and dreams.   And yes we answered questions about the murder mystery they had heard about from decades past.   It was there that I met a 7-year old little girl who's sweet innocence made me appreciate all the more, Shirley McQueen, the main character in "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf."    McQueen's father took her out one night and it changed her life forever, but not for her good.
At the Pike Township library, it was an inspiring scene.  A little girl out with her Daddy, who was helping her to seek knowledge and build self-esteem through education.  How refreshing!

     National Women's Day in early March, allowed us to focus along with millions of others around the world, to reflect on the accomplishments of our sisters and to discuss solutions to their on-going challenges.   Domestic violence is one of those areas.   "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf" tackles the subject within it's pages; documenting the mistreatment of women by the only suspect charged in the racial killing of Carol Jenkins.   That's what prompted me to accept an invitation to join advocates across the city of Indianapolis in their work to strengthen outreach programs for women seeking help.   "Hope and All that Jazz" sponsored by the Beacon of Hope Womens' Center raised thousands of dollars to provide counseling and shelter.  It was my distinct honor to be a part of their efforts.  The grateful tears of a brave woman, now living a new existence free from violence, is a treasured memory from that night, and clearly one more reason to celebrate!

Stamp of Approval

     The look on her face says it all.   Anyone who knows the story of Rosa Parks, knows there is much to say.  Yet somehow, without a hint of arrogance, self promotion or celebrity, the woman who took a stand by sitting down on that Montgomery City bus back in December of 1955, now takes her seat among America's most notable.  The Rosa Parks U.S. postage stamp is being unveiled in cities across the country, on what would have been her 100th birthday, and during Black History Month.

    Poised and posed in a green suit and matching pill-box hat, "the mother of civil rights" offers a dignified gaze of clarity, one that brings into focus how a response to an unplanned challenge made a world of difference.   Rosa Parks didn't set out that day to become a civil rights icon.   Tired, in her rightful place and minding her own business, she was confronted with an injustice so many had grown to accept.   But on that day, she faced a personal test.  We all get them from time to time, when our beliefs and values come under the greatest assault.   How we respond is often determined by who we really are at the core of our beings.   Rosa Parks quietly resisted, yet in that moment stirred up a firestorm of change that we now honor and celebrate.

    Once again it's a reminder that no matter our role, whether large or small, we all have a hand in making our communities better places to live.  We don't know when our individual voice will be called upon to speak up.

    "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf" explores a similar theme.   A child witness to a horrific civil rights crime spends decades trying to find the voice to uncap a devastating secret.   In the end, it comes down to her own personal convictions about right and wrong.   It's a difficult journey, but necessary to bring accountability where there has been none.

"Truth Marching On in 2013"

      "His truth is marching on!"   Chills shot up my spine; the fullness of emotion lodged in my throat as the beautiful voices of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir sang the last verse of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" during the Inauguration Ceremonies.   That moment did it for me.   Such a simple phrase had pulled together so many narratives all at once.

     It's a new year and the hope of what's yet to come is still fresh in my heart and mind.  I had been pondering what I wanted to say in my first post of 2013.  The first 6-months since the launch of "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf" have been wonderfully exciting and well beyond expectations.  I've signed hundreds of books that have reached the hands of readers all across Central Indiana and into New York, Florida, Maryland, California and Texas.   My signature message: "Truth Unfolds..."

    Now as our team moves well into the next 6-months, the truth of what happened in Indiana is also marching on.   We're working on some wonderful new initiatives that prayerfully will help us to share the impact of the lives of a young black woman whose dreams were dashed in 1968 and the little girl who, finally as a woman, was able to unleash that secret burden with a truth so many had begged for, for 30-years.

     Months before Carol Jenkins met her violent end, a preacher whose poetic words inspired a nation to rethink human rights, also fell to the shameful vices of racism.   On this day and every day that one visits the new King memorial in Washington D.C., Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy offers new seeds of hope and equality.  We haven't arrived yet and sometimes it seems as if change is slow in coming.  That's not to deny that some significant progress has been made.   Yet I can still hear the words from one of his memorable speeches asking, "How long?..."  There's no clear timetable for that piercing question?  But we can say..."His truth is marching on..."

    And then their is our democracy.   An amazing process established to maintain order amid the handing over of power.   Yet the last couple of years have made us all question the hearts behind the political divide in our nation.   Racism and intolerance sometimes just a scratch beneath the surface.  But one look at the Inauguration crowd, revealed diversity, and reason to believe there are more on the side of coming together than those wishing to wedge us apart.   There's honor in an inclusive tone, that reiterates "tolerance, opportunity, human dignity and justice."   No we won't agree on everything, but  we must cooperate and vow to protect our humanity.  That's the call we must all address in 2013 as we understand that   "His truth is marching on...Our God is Marching on!"

Hope...Thanks... and Happy Holidays!

     Black Friday...Small Business Saturday...and Cyber Monday.   The holiday season is upon us and we're all looking for ways to show our love and appreciation, whether it's part of our faith celebration  or the year-end send off for a club or organization.

      For weeks now, it's been encouraging to see many gifting by sharing "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf."  I think I know why.   "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf," is not just the story of Carol Jenkins' death, or the life of the 7-year old little girl who witnessed the unthinkable, but through it all, it's a story of hope.   Hope for unity, hope for devastating cycles in families to be broken and hope that the places where we live can emerge better than the past.

     I saw that hope in the eyes of dozens of book lovers who stopped by to chat and to check out "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf,"at the Indiana Historical Society's Annual Holiday Author Fair on December 3rd.  One woman told me "I remember when it happened.  This story needs to be told!"  Another gentlemen offered thanks;  His focus:  justice and the hope of peace for families impacted by crime.  Just as memorable:  the young couple that grabbed an arm full of books, counting off the names of people who could benefit from learning about Indiana history.

     The holiday book fair was a gift unto itself, given to 80-authors from across the state.
It was a chance for all of our work to shine, and for each to celebrate the other.  (I certainly purchased featured titles to add to my family's collection.)

     This give and take is what makes this time of year so special.  Weeks prior to the author fair, I accepted a wonderful invitation from a book club at a local church.  These women have been reading together for years.  Their last read for 2012 was "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf."   The discussion in the party room of a north side restaurant was electric!   Some of these women lived through the civil rights struggle and had a greater appreciation for  the story.  They were in essence living examples of hope from the past!   They had overcome discrimination in their own lifetimes and were now using their careers in education and ministry to give back.

     That night, I walked away proud, but not about anything I had done.  I was proud of these African American women, newfound role models who have been out there making a difference everyday.
They were the women who smoothed the path for me and countless others.  Yet on this night they sat  listening intently to what I had to share, each of them draped in a beautiful yellow scarf.   What a gift!

    Thank you and many blessings for the Holidays!