12/21/2017
Central Dauphin School District had just built a new high school, Cental Dauphin East. I was in one of the first graduating classes. I served on the Student Council and helped choose the name of our athletic teams.
Jerry Rubin had just appeared at a Black Panther rally, I was caught up in the excitement of the time. I suggested we name our team the Black Panthers. Our colors would be black and white. The student council agreed and the administration approved. In spite of our differences we were finally going to be "one people." That was over fifty years ago.
We really are one. We may have different skins, but our DNA suggests our ancestors all came from the same continent. Does it even matter? We are all human beings. After fifty years, it's time we recognized the truth. It's time we grew up.
Jerry Rubin speaks to supporters rally in support of Black Panther Party held at New Haven Green, on the Yale University campus, New Haven, CT, May 1-2, 1970.