How did I miss it?

    This is the same question "How did I miss it?" that MJV asked herself. Then she emailed me only to discover that I'd missed it too. Taking personal responsibility for ending my ignorance she sent me a copy of The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute To His White Mother, James McBride, 1996.  In and Afterword to the 10th Anniversary Edition, 1995, McBride writes it's sold over 2 million copies and has been translated into almost 20 languages, New York Times Bestseller...Yes, the depth of my ignorance.........

     Alternating chapters tell the story of Ruth McBride Jordan, born Ruchel Dwajra Zylska, Jewish, in Poland in 1921, and author James McBride. Both of Ruth's husbands were Black and she totally identified with the African American community. After her first husband died she remarried and with the two husbands birthed 12 children. Two emphasis made her life: religion (Baptist), though in old age she would attend a Lutheran Church when she wanted to get out in an hour, and education. All 12 children graduated from college and most have advanced degrees.

     As a child McBride was aware his mother was different. She would say "I'm light skinned" and change the subject. When McBride would ask where she was from she'd say "God made me" and change the subject. Asked what color God is she said "God's the color of water" and thus the title of the book. Finally he prevails on her to tell her story and so the book. It's a staple of diversity education in high schools and universities. Both Ruth and James are remarkable and their lives are well told.

It's a marvelous story of life lived, family reality and the power of love.

Takk for alt,

Al