Mel White and Gary Nixon

Post date: May 9, 2013 2:05:57 AM

Dear amazing Jeannie,

Almost from the beginning you were such a stalwart at our Soulforce actions in various hot spots across the country. We are forever in your debt.

So many times you brought new life to our events just by your presence but there is one night I will never forget. Soulforce had just given you and Bob SOULFORCE LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS for your pioneering in Civil Rights from the 1950s right up through the new century.

The audience was asking you questions that I passed on to you. The first question seemed so simple: "Mrs. Graetz, what is the worst memory you have of your work in Civil Rights?" And you answered, "The second time our house was bombed."

I've talked to more people who remember that moment out of all the great Soulforce moments with admiration and affection for the simple way you expressed evidence of real hatred in your life without one note of self pity or anger.

I have one regret...that Gary and I didn't take time to join you on one of your tours through the South. Looking back I can't imagine how I was too busy to take that time off for a tour of a lifetime.

You and Bob were literally Civil Rights heroes in our midst. I wish we had spent more time getting you to tell your story, more time listening to you teach us, more time benefiting from your wisdom. But you were there - even when ignored - in the front lines carrying STOP SPIRITUAL VIOLENCE signs even when no one really knew who you were or what you have accomplished.

We love you and honor you on your latest greatest achievement. I told Gary "I hope I am that productive when I am Jeannie's age" and he replied "Your not that productive now." Oh, well.

Love to you and yours on this special day.

Mel White and Gary Nixon