The Mixed Bag of Diversity

​In honor of Martin Luther King day we chose the topic of Diversity.  
Our tellers this evening were:
Androsh Maros:  He was born during the time of bombs in Budapest.  His story is of his coming of age and coming to the United States where he experienced a new element of diversity in New Jersey.  
Kathy Logan:  Kathy was brought up in a Greek family and told stories about her Greek Grandfather.  Hers was a rich past with the many facets of an ethnic family.
Sylvia McKinley:  Sylvia's story was about being a woman in a man's world.  She was one of the first uniformed guards in the California prison system.  Her experiences highlight the varying trust levels the men felt having her with them.  
Rebecca Bender:  Rebecca is a survivor of sex trafficking.  She does not fit the normally thought of profile.  Her story was riveting and scary.  Definitely a wake up call for us all.  
Mary Edwards:  Mary started going blind in high school.  It didn't stop her.  She has run marathons, rides horses, skis, and even para glides.  She speaks of being different - but not really!
Ray Dinkins:  Ray came from a aggressively bigoted family from the deep south.  When he and his wife adopted a child from Ethiopia, Ray's father came to visit.  When he went back to the South his friends and family asked what it was like to have a black grandchild.  Ray's father replied, "Well, she didn't seem to mind that I am white - so I guess I don't mind that she is black."  

Not many dry eyes in the room that night.

Musicians: included the Rogue Choir (about 30 members strong) and Wacky Dog - an eclectic and fun group who had us all howling (literally) with their song.

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