Dear Mrs. Von Winbush,
It has been
over 30 years since I first walked into your Kindergarten class. It’s been well over 30 years since I came to
school on the second day, got lost and walked the halls calling, “Mrs. Von
Winbush, where are you?” And you popped
your head out of the door saying, “I’m right here, Amy.”
It has been
over 30 years since you sparked my love of learning and knowledge. My love of schooling has waxed and waned, but
never my love of learning. I have you to
thank for that.
I did not
know that our class was a small part of history until I was old enough to study
history. At five, I did not understand that you were the first African American
teacher in my elementary school. I
didn’t understand that the schools in Nashville,
Tennessee were finally
integrating. I would not have been able
to comprehend the barriers you were overcoming or the walls you were breaking
down. I only knew that I loved you, and
what I saw reflected in your beautiful eyes was acceptance, care and delight.
You were
one of the first people who taught me, just by being you, that love does not comply
with restrictions, boundaries or social conventions. I’m sure I was an astute enough child to
realize that there were differences in our skin colors, and that you didn’t
look like most of the people I knew at the time, but I loved you more because
of it.
Thank you,
Mrs Von Winbush. Thank you for giving me
a bold start in life. Thank you for
setting me on a path of acceptance. Just
my memory of you has helped me to resist the prejudice and intolerance and
hatred I’ve seen in so many places since our time together. I struggle to live up to the lessons you
taught me, but I will be forever grateful that I started my education – in and
out of the classroom – with you.
Sincerely,
Amy Busse Perkins
The 1970 -71 Kindergarten Class of Burton Elementary School
Nashville,
Tennessee
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