Jillian Chantal

Happy Martin Luther King, Jr day. I think he was an amazing man who accomplished a lot during his short time on this planet. I’m grateful for the work he did. I have friends of many creeds, nationalities and races. I don’t remember the days of segregation as I was a bit too young when all that was happening. I started school in the 60s but we were always integrated. Even my first grade teacher (whom I adored and spent many after school hours and days with) was African-American (although she’d tell you that she’s black).

I was raised in a family who never cared what race someone is. We care about the inner person – the heart and soul. I am very grateful that I never had to have some of my friends not be allowed to be at my school or sit by me on the bus. I am blessed to have friends of all types in my life. I love that! I think embracing people for who they are is the most rewarding thing in life. I wish, like Dr. King, that more folks were open to that. Who knows? Maybe his dream can still somehow come true.