Minneapolis spokesman. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1962-05-11

SION made him re- Z
act in the only
way he knew Maurice White
how: he became a rebel.
He constantly disobeyed and an
tagonized his step-mother and
created disturbances which he
knew would hurt her. He fought
with her children when they ar
rived as well as being selfish and
inconsiderate to them.
He heaped more anguish upon
her by being a nuisance in school.
On numerous occasions teachers
called her up to school about his
conduct, from the time he entered
kindergarten, from which he was
once expelled.
Many times he knew the things
he had done drove her to tears.
Often he would overhear her Sob
bingly tell his father how he had
tried her patience that day.
1t was only after the boy had
grown up did he appreciate her
and was truly sorry for all the
meanness and resentment he had
exhibited toward her.
Not one time had she ever given
her three children by birth any
thing when she did not give him
the same thing or something of
equal value. Even now she contin-
ues to send him little gifts for no
apparent reason.
When she doled out punishment
it was done just as sternly to her
children as it was to him.
Every summer when, alone, she
packed all the children off with
her to Cleveland, Ohio, for vaca-
ton. Not once was he ever left
behind.
When he needed a mediator be-
tween him and his father - both
of whom were stubborn and de-
termined - she was always there
fighting for him when she felt he
was right or trying to show him
the value of his fathers position
when the latter was right.
It was she who won him the
right to use the family car again
after he had recklessly broken the
axle.
It was she who was a constant
source of inspiration and encour-
agement no matter what he at
tempted to do. She would say such
things as: whatever you do be
the best. If its digging bitches, be
the best ditchdigger," and "You
have it within you to do anything
you want to do, but you must work
for it."
Perhaps you have already guess
ed the identity of the step-mother
whom I am writing about. If you
haven't her name is Catherine
Matte White - my step-mother.
the woman I have called mother
for the twenty-five years she has
been married to my father.
If you really want to celebrate
Mothers Day in an enjoyable way
go hear THE Cantinos" sing Sum
day night at 1880 in st. Peters
AME Church, 41st and Fourth
Av. S. in Minneapolis. You will be
treated to some of the best spirit
ual, and gospel, singing the Twin
Cities has to offer.
Speaking of spiritual and gospel
music, The Gospel Train has been
temporarily derailed. The chief
reason being lack of sponsors. If
there are some businessmen or
individuals who would like to have
the Gospel Train back on the air,
my telephone number is ia. g.
1894.
Bob Hildreth Of the Minneapolis
Jaycees - registrar for the Mill
City Soap Box Derby - called me
this week. He Is quite disturbed
because no Negro lads have signed
up to enter the Derby.
The boys are supposed to build
their racers by themselves. How
ever, the Jayces will help them as
much as possible. II money for
materials is a problem, the Jaycees
will also help there, too.
So, parents II you have a boy
between the ages Of II and Is as Of
August /, 1862, he can still enter
the Soap Box Derby. The last day
to register is June 9th for the race
June 3oth.
At stake Is a $500 saving bond
and an all-expense paid trip by air
to compete in the All-American
Derby on August 4, at Akron,
Ohio. Winners in the Akron meet
will vie for $50, 900 in college schol-
arships, as well as numerous other
prizes.
For more information, contact
Bob Hildreth, ST. 9-2332, Bert