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.
