Judith A. McGee
Judi and her husband Mack reside in Henderson, NV. She retired two years ago and is enjoying the freedom of doing what she wants, when she wants. She loves to travel and spend time with her family and friends and has recently started volunteering her time to educate women on the many symptoms and dangers of heart disease. She is also the Nevada Director of ”A Place for Us National” and continues to be an activist for issues pertaining to Interracial and Multiracial families. She is an active member of Green Valley Baptist Church, Pastor: Rob Boyd.
She served as A Notary Public for the State of California for several years; was a Licensed Insurance Agent, member of the National Business Women’s Association and Lion’s Club and Northern California Director of A Place for Us National from 1988 to 1997. .
It was a beautiful morning and I didn’t pay too much attention to my funny feelings. It was pretty warm, more than usual for an Indian summer.
School had started two weeks previously and for some reason I was having a lot of trouble concentrating. I couldn’t seem to remember my locker number or the combination to the lock. I felt burdened but I couldn’t figure out why. I hadn’t seen Andy for a couple of days and thought it was strange he hadn’t been to football practice. When I called his house the person who answered the phone was aloof to say the least, they wouldn’t tell me anything. I was scheduled to work at the hospital after school but I really didn’t feel like going. Hopefully the day would pass by fast and tomorrow would be better.
My morning classes dragged by and as each class ended I looked up and down the hallway hoping to see Andy. We were afraid to even look at each other when we walked down the halls to our classes. I was hoping we would be able to meet in the park soon. I didn’t see him at all. I couldn’t sneak a call to him and was worried all night.
The school had a PA system that loudly made announcements and each morning played a tape of the National Anthem. We would give the Pledge of Allegiance, say a prayer, and begin the class.
This particular morning after the National Anthem the principal’s voice boomed over the PA system, “JUDI BITTICK TO THE PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE NOW!!” It was so loud that my heart started beating a mile a minute. Needless to say, I practically ran to the principal’s office. When I got there his secretary had a look of disdain on her face and ordered me to go right into his office.
When I opened the door, the very first person that I saw was Momma, and she was crying. Dad was sitting beside her madder than a wet hen. The principal’s face was blood red and there was another man who I didn’t know. I was rudely told to sit down. I looked at Momma and Dad and then at the principal. He stood towering above me. He started by saying, “It has been reported to me that you have been seen walking down the hall between classes holding hands with that nigger Andy! Not only that, but you were seen kissing him over by the lockers. We don’t need your kind here and we don’t want your kind here. Somebody better tell that nigger, if he shows up to the game Friday, he’s gonna be lynched right there at the goal post.” I was frozen and for a few seconds I couldn’t move.
Of course I vehemently denied the accusations. There is no way we would have the audacity to be that bold! He continued, “As far as I’m concerned you are incorrigible and the judge here will sign the order to send you to reform school if your parents want it done”. One thing for sure you are expelled from this school and I never want to see you on this campus again!”
I was crying, Momma was practically hysterical, and Daddy just nodded his head up and down in an affirmative way. All kinds of thoughts were going through my head. Am I going to be locked up? Are they going to kill Andy? Are they going to kill me? Why are they acting like this? What can I do, what must I do!
* * * * * * * *
Like most fifteen year olds I thought I could handle anything because I knew everything! I thought love really did make a difference! I had absolutely no idea of what would happen in our lives from that point forward! For me it was the start of nearly a lifetime of rejection by my family. Lies, cover ups, and standing up for what I believed in no matter what the cost. It was the start of showing others what unconditional love is really all about. It was the start of heartache, hardship and hard work.
Naturally thoughts of Andy and I being together was dominant in my mind during that long bus ride. But there were also many other thoughts. Who told on us? Who saw us together? Why was my family reacting the way that they were? What did I do to deserve getting expelled? Was I going to get in a lot of trouble for leaving, even though my life was in danger? Who would protect me now without Momma being with me? How was I going to get my diploma? How quickly would I be able to get a job and a place to live? When should I contact my Momma and Daddy? What about my peers? Did they know anything? What were their feelings about Andy and I? Surely their parents had brought them up with the same values and morals and beliefs that I had been taught. Was there anywhere in Joplin I could have gone for awhile? My mind drifted back to Andy. Did he really love me as I loved him? Was he happy in Denver? Was he safe? How did his family feel about me? How was he handling the fact that he would not be playing football anymore? Did he have any idea of what I had just gone through? Were we going to get married? What was the age limit to get a license? Would he get a job? My thoughts overwhelmed me.
I forced myself to think happy. Andy and I would be together forever. We would have a family of our own and we would teach them to love their fellow man. We would be very involved in the new Civil Rights Movement, too. He’s so handsome. We make a good couple. I’ll be a good and loyal wife to him and an excellent mother to our children. One day we’ll buy a house with a white picket fence, (yada, yada, yada) and live happily ever after.
