Diversity Is

As occasionally happens, I have been questioned on my memories, not by family in this instance, but a beloved friend and reader.

Mary is of the same vintage as I and has quite a similar background. We attended the same high school and probably often passed on subway platforms.

However, she lived “Uptown,” while my home was in Midtown Manhattan.

Her email read:

“I don’t ever remember snoods in our neighborhood, nor fringed blouses. We’ll have to talk about this.”

I told my lovely friend that as I recall the neighborhoods and Parishes during those long gone years, those north of Columbus Circle in Upper Manhattan.were far less integrated than ones located in Hell’s Kitchen

Two of my friends from first grade to graduation were Antoinette C and Carmela B. Their Mothers both travelled downtown weekly and picked up piece work from the garment center. My young friends always wore amazing ribbons, headbands and yes, snoods.

I owned a lone bone colored barrette and often wondered why my Mom didn’t make snoods and/or speak Italian.

The lovely, Mrs T. was the Mother of Veronique, another school friend.

Mrs.T, (whose complexion was cafe du lait,) wore a mult-colored turban, spoke French fluently and cleaned offices. The stately lady was also Mom’s friend, and equally as strict as my Irish parent. However, although My Mother disagreed, Mrs. T firmly believed in college education, not only for women, but especially for her only daughter.

Years later, Veronique graduated from Hunter College, I did not.

Emily, (my best friend‘s beautiful Mom,). migrated from Ireland, and lived with her family in the same tenement as our family. Emily Garrett walked down 58th Street every morning towards 11th Avenue where she and my equally beautiful Mom both worked for FAO Schwartz.

Joan and I still smile when we remember how both our Mothers loved their jobs.

While it was indeed a different time, some things do remain the same. Many women were then and are today the backbones who help support families.

Female employment differed and although few women were given a title or recognition of a career, each wage earner still found confidence, respectability and pride in their varied choices.

While our memories may differ, those that remain intact, help to remind me diversity is not completely new,

And hopefully, yesterday will continue to provide lessons as the world constantly turns.