As a small boy, I had no black friends because there were no black families in my neighborhood. We lived a stone’s throw from Laurelhurst Park, where the cozy homes were all painted different cheerful colors, but the people who lived in them were all white. The fact that only white folks lived in our neighborhood did not seem unusual to me—when I was a boy. As a man, I learned that this condition was not by accident. In my own town, my own neighborhood—institutional racism[1] dwelled quite comfortably. And I was not at all pleased about it.

Several awakenings in my “thinking” life began in my youth when I signed up for Pop Warner football. In the 7th grade, a handful of us Glencoe School kids were car-pooled by our parents across town to practice for our district team. And that is when my first fires of friendship with African-Americans were lit and tendered.

Our coach, Mr. Earl Winchester[2], became a father figure to me, despite that I had a wonderful dad already. Earl passed from this world in 2009 after a long and fruitful life. He left behind legions of friends and admirers, especially those of us who, as kids, he had filled with his values of effort, teamwork and sportsmanship. And absolutely everyone thrilled to hear him sing! Whether in the Coliseum where he sang the National Anthem before many Blazer games, or in Church or at a public performance, Mr. Winchester’s voice would touch you. He was a man with a large voice and a very large circle of friends.

My circle grew because of Mr. Winchester. Many new people and boundless thoughts resided with me in a center that was expanding.

Photos: Carpenter’s Local, Pop

Warner youth football, fall 1961—Ron (my tennis partner) in front row 3rd from left; that’s me—front row far right. Others of note: Willie Stoudamire, Bob Lundahl, Ted Peck, and the wonderful mentor Mr. Earl Winchester. Also, Mr. Winchester in concert at Willshire Methodist Church in 1979.

Send us the story of your “African-American History” by e-mail to: tim@bentari.com. Please include “Bentari Blog” in the subject line. Thank you!

[1] See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redlining and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Housing_Segregation

[2] See Mr. Winchester’s story at: http://blog.oregonlive.com/lifestories/2009/07

/life_story_earl_winchester.html