Vol737
Self sufficient non victim
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2011
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This happened to me a couple of weeks ago. Had a high profile Hollywood celebrity on my flight from LAX to ATL. After getting into ATL, a black gentleman was in the first row of business class that I couldn't see because he was sitting behind the bulkhead. Only when he stepped out into the aisle I realized it was John Lewis. About the third time I've had him on one of my flights but never had the chance to speak to him at any length other than to say hello or goodbye. But because he had to walk toward the back of the aircraft to deplane out the middle door, we both took a minute, shook hands and I told him that I've had him on my flight a couple of other times and it was nice to see him again.
While shaking his hand I told him that our politics are probably very different in a lot of ways, but I had tremendous respect for him and others in the civil rights movement (mentioned Dr. King and Andrew Young). Growing up in ATL in the 70's and 80's I knew these names well. I said I believed what they did was incredibly brave and necessary and it was a pleasure to shake the hand of a man was so much a part of our American history. He was very appreciative and said, "now isn't this the kind of conversation we all ought to be having?"
It kind of led me to believe that while he pretty much consistently tows the party line and he's on his way out soon (he seemed frail and it was harder for him to move around since last time I saw him), even he probably doesn't like the polarizing discourse going on today. And with the rest of the passengers trying to get autographs and pictures from the Hollywood celebrity in First Class, it allowed me a few minutes to have a conversation with someone that made a real difference in history. Maxine Waters could take a lesson.
While shaking his hand I told him that our politics are probably very different in a lot of ways, but I had tremendous respect for him and others in the civil rights movement (mentioned Dr. King and Andrew Young). Growing up in ATL in the 70's and 80's I knew these names well. I said I believed what they did was incredibly brave and necessary and it was a pleasure to shake the hand of a man was so much a part of our American history. He was very appreciative and said, "now isn't this the kind of conversation we all ought to be having?"
It kind of led me to believe that while he pretty much consistently tows the party line and he's on his way out soon (he seemed frail and it was harder for him to move around since last time I saw him), even he probably doesn't like the polarizing discourse going on today. And with the rest of the passengers trying to get autographs and pictures from the Hollywood celebrity in First Class, it allowed me a few minutes to have a conversation with someone that made a real difference in history. Maxine Waters could take a lesson.
