*culture is not optional

Waiting for Madison

Part 1 of 12

by Kirstin Vander Giessen-Reitsma

Photos throughout this essay by Charles R. Snyder

Before leaving my parents' house that night, I can't resist the
urge to shock my great aunt and uncle who have unexpectedly dropped by
to visit. Within five minutes of their arrival, my Aunt Barb has told
my mom she has big feet and my dad that he has graying, receding hair.
I think maybe they can use a little disruption in their snowbird lives.

"Yeah, we're going to a welcome-home party for the former Death Row
inmates who were pardoned yesterday by Governor Ryan. It's on the 4800
block of South Michigan." South Michigan, an area of bittersweet
memories for many of my ancestors, an area most of them fled when black
people started moving in. "I'm hoping we won't be home too late." And
with that we are out the door before Aunt Barb's mouth has closed.

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