As we look forward to celebrating the Pride we have in our Gay population, (Yeah, I couldn't resist the pun.) I'm pleased to report that diversity in the mix of our residents here in the Fox River Valley continues to surprise me.
Example: As my wife and I waited for friends, in the lobby of the Marcus Hollywood Theater on the west side of Appleton, I witnessed three AfricanAmericann ladies buying snacks. Behind them was a Latino couple. At the end of the line, behind was an Asian fellow with three kids. We represented the WASP's.
This is in a community that when I first visited in the nineteen sixties, if a black man walked down the street, he more than likely played football for Green Bay. After that, there was a rather pronounced immigration of Hmong and quieter arrival of Latino's. For a while, the worst keep secret was that the new Italian restaurant was actually owned by Mexican's.
Since returning to the Valley, I've grown used to the number of black people in my neighborhood. For the most part, they seem like younger people. With our lower unemployment, lower cost of living and further education possibilities, I can see the attraction.
I believe I put a version of the story on Facebook of being stuck at my local bus stop. A young black man volunteered to give me a ride downtown. He was an immigrant from Africa. His focus was on starting a business. When we talked, he wasn't quite sure what kind of business, but he was confident he would find an opportunity someplace. Any community wants to have young people like this.
Still trying to find a friend that will go to see Wonder Women with me, this is Poppa Jeff saying, "Have a great week."
Example: As my wife and I waited for friends, in the lobby of the Marcus Hollywood Theater on the west side of Appleton, I witnessed three AfricanAmericann ladies buying snacks. Behind them was a Latino couple. At the end of the line, behind was an Asian fellow with three kids. We represented the WASP's.
This is in a community that when I first visited in the nineteen sixties, if a black man walked down the street, he more than likely played football for Green Bay. After that, there was a rather pronounced immigration of Hmong and quieter arrival of Latino's. For a while, the worst keep secret was that the new Italian restaurant was actually owned by Mexican's.
Since returning to the Valley, I've grown used to the number of black people in my neighborhood. For the most part, they seem like younger people. With our lower unemployment, lower cost of living and further education possibilities, I can see the attraction.
I believe I put a version of the story on Facebook of being stuck at my local bus stop. A young black man volunteered to give me a ride downtown. He was an immigrant from Africa. His focus was on starting a business. When we talked, he wasn't quite sure what kind of business, but he was confident he would find an opportunity someplace. Any community wants to have young people like this.
Still trying to find a friend that will go to see Wonder Women with me, this is Poppa Jeff saying, "Have a great week."
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