Mr. Rudy Bell

"It is not our differences that divide us. 

It is our inability to recognize, adapt, and celebrate those differences." - Audre Lorde

I grew up in rural South Jersey where we grew silver queen corn, tomatoes, and asparagus. Growing up in an extended family environment, I only knew blood relatives until I went to school. In Kindergarten my Mom was the teacher. She taught love and respect to and for everyone.

I first met people from other cultures when I played Little League baseball. We had baseball, play, and fun in common. My primary concern was being the best I could be and helping my teammates be the best they could be. I found a common goal can bring people together.

When I was a little older I moved to Babe Ruth Baseball. I was on a very good team that was coached by Mr. Bell. Mr. Rudy Bell was a beloved early role model in my life. Mr. Bell was a black man. He was kind, caring, and a great teacher of baseball. One day while sliding into home plate, I opened a significant deep gash on my right leg. The scar is still prominent at the age of 68. Mr. Bell took me or should I say carried me, to the neighborhood doctors office. In those days small town doctors did everything. I was a frightened kid who loved that Mr. Bell stood by my side until my parents arrived. Later, as I healed, I remember saying to my dad "If you weren't my father, I would want Mr. Bell to be my father." The innocence and truth of youth.

Remember this is the early 1960s. The civil rights movement is in full bloom. People are dying for their freedom, as they still are today. My Dad wrote an article in our local newspaper. He wrote about Mr. Bell, how much he admired him, appreciated what he had done for me, and what a role model he was for our community. My father ended the article by writing, "If I was not my son's father, I would choose Mr. Bell to be my son's father." That was the beginning of my passion for diversity and equity. I know that acceptance, understanding, and celebration of diversity will heal our troubled nation.

We are all part of Gods loving creation. We are all an essential part of our exquisite diverse humanity.