When I was 10, my older sister made a collaged box

Her chosen photos- revealing her values,

Photos like this Rabi cutting bread or

An artist wearing a paper mask with glasses….

A young woman teacher- smiling

Her black students hands in the air.

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My mother valued this collaged box

As high art even though we lived not like this.

These images expressed inclusion and diversity

And our world in Akron Ohio was very small.

My sister followed her own lead

She taught first grade in inner city Cleveland

Her children all black like in the photo.

She followed an inner leaning

She diverged – stepping out of the box.

I’m the only one who carries her memory

Sharing her with you is an honor.

Anne White, Jan 1940- April 2017