At one point, I had four divisions. The most critical was my supervision of the 32 Library Media Specialists who served our K-12 babies in the various Elementary, Middle and High Schools. They were an amazing group and taught me even more appreciation and respect for Librarians than I already had. I tried very hard to visit two or three of the libraries each week. On one visit, I would concentrate on the LMS and do the yearly evaluation. During the other visits, I would concentrate on the babies to learn how they were using the library and, in conversation with the LMS, ascertain needs in order to go after resources to assist them.
So, back to the library. This day, I was with an all-Black class of 2nd graders and their wonderful LMS. As the librarian and I became engrossed in conversation about needs & wants, the children slipped into kiddy mode and began to act out. They did not respond to the LMS so Kath steps in to save the day … delusional Superwoman to the rescue!!! I slam my hand on a book shelf to get attention. It does the trick. Then, I say, “When I was a young Black child … etc.” The students listened intently and quietly. The LMS, however, was leaning back on her heels, jaw slacked, and staring at me in disbelief. I explained. Back in the car, I got laughing so hard I hoped no one would notice. The children, like most African & Caribbean-Americans, inately understood that we come in all colours from alabaster to ebony. The librarian, however, was just this side of apoplexy!