Oh! Those Sixties: Confronting the Turmoil and Moving On

© 2004 by Ruth E. Deacon. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 05/03/04

ISBN: 1-4140-8311-4 (e-book)

ISBN: 1-4184-2866-3 (Paperback)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2004091752

Table of Contents

Chapter One : Jeb and Sadie : Teens in Flux 1967

Chapter Two : Jeb and Sadie : Finding Direction?

Chapter Three : Seth and Lucy at Waterloo University

Chapter Four: Lucy and Bette Join Sit-in 1968

Chapter Five : Seth and Lucy : Reflections 1968

Chapter Six : Seth and Lucy : New Challenges re: Vietnam

Chapter Seven : Jeb : A Foot Soldier 1968

Chapter Eight: Sadie and Lucy : Spring Events 1969

Chapter Nine : Lucy Graduates : Sadie’s Pregnant

Chapter Ten : Lives Change with a Crash 1969

Chapter Eleven : Coping : Recuperation; Graduate School;

Chapter Twelve : Seth, Lucy and Sadie : New Directions

Chapter Thirteen : Lucy : Another Cause 1970

Chapter Fourteen : Sadie and Jimmy; Lucy’s Cause 1970

Chapter Fifteen : Sadie and Jimmy; Lucy’s Cause 1971

Chapter Sixteen : Josh and Lucy; Sadie and Jimmy 1971/1972

Chapter Seventeen : Lives Move Along 1971/1972

Chapter Eighteen : Lucy and Josh; Sadie and Jimmy

Chapter Nineteen : Lucy Marries Josh 1972

Chapter Twenty : Lucy, a Teacher; Sadie and Jimmy at Odds

Chapter Twenty-One : Lucy and Josh; Sadie and Jimmy—New Ventures 1973

About The Author

Chapter One :

Jeb and Sadie : Teens in Flux

1967

Jeb Jagger

Jeb Jagger was 17 and finishing his sophomore year in high school when in 1967 he joined the TheHighLights Gang that claimed a hold, if tenuous, on the Bridgeview area of South Chicago between Harlem Avenue and the canal and from 75th to 90th Streets. All that Jeb knew about the gang before he joined was what Mitch, a kid in his class at the Bridgeview School urged. Come on, Jeb, get with the gang. They wanna know ‘bout you—more’n what I’ve said. A guy left town. Think you’d fit in r-e-e-a-a-1 good. Jeb was reticent in his response, Don’t know, Mitch. Maybe. Let me think ‘bout it. Jeb knew he didn’t have to give it much thought. He was coming around to the point of wanting to join. Mitch was convincing. The gang hadn’t been around very long. Jeb hung out with guys, but it was the same old thing. He thought being a part of something was not a bad idea. So, when he saw Mitch, he was the first to raise the question, Been thinkin’ about the gang. Like to look into it.

Course, it’s up to the guys, Mitch replied, implying he should show some caution, and at the same time point out what was good. We look out for each other. Stick together. Have good times. Meet the guys. See for yourself.

Len Conner’s our leader. We take over Maurie’s game room—Tuesdays at four. Nobody bothers. If they do, they get the message real quick. Maurie knows—it’s our time. The guys ‘re on time. Strict ‘bout that. See you next Tuesday?"

Jeb confirmed he’d be there, and he became one of TheHighlights. Already he felt a part of the in thing, as Jeb’s friends looked at it. Jeb lived with his mother and had three younger brothers and a sister. He had to at least tell his mother about joining a gang, even though anymore he liked to think that what he did was pretty much his own business. He made a big point about the gang going to change the neighborhood—for good. That was the message he had gotten when he joined. Jeb’s mother was skeptical and told him so:

Why’d you go join a gang? Fact is, gangs ‘re no good. How can a bunch of boys help this run-down place? Nothing worthwhile, I’ll bet. When kids gang up, they think ‘bout how to bully people. This gang’s not like that, Jeb countered, defensively. Just hanging out, doing projects. Nothing wrong with that. Don’t make a big deal of it! How many’s in that gang? Jeb’s mother asked. Jeb couldn’t answer that question. He’d only been to one meeting. Still concerned, Jeb’s mother warned, Well, you better not think ‘bout quittin’ school, knowing that’s just what Jeb was thinking. No gang’s worth that.

The gang Jeb joined accepted before long an overture from the leaders of five other gangs to join with them so that they could do more good things together as a group of gangs—get more recognition. Jeb used that as a talking point with his mother. She clearly wasn’t convinced.

The gang leaders commissioned themselves Chiefs6. The leader of TheHighlights, Len Conner, felt good about being one of the Chiefs6. It gave him a greater status with his gang and his leadership of TheHighlights, he thought. In their zeal to get known as groups committed to work together to improve their neighborhoods, Chiefs6 had gotten the help of a community leader, John Means, who knew his way around. He thought boys should be kept busy on worthwhile things. He wanted to support Chiefs6’s altruism and found a way to submit proposals to get federal funds for community improvement. Local groups would give help to agencies on their development programs. Local groups in this case were the gangs of Chiefs6. A grant had actually been obtained, and John Means was very pleased! Jeb had to think again about school. School wasn’t that hard even though he’d been made to repeat the second grade. The new teacher who came that second year, Mrs. Dowel, didn’t put up with any nonsense. She told Jeb that he had no business having to do that second year over. He was smarter than that. How’d that happen? You must’ve made a pest of yourself. She kept repeating to Jeb, Put your mind on those numbers, or Think about those words you’re spelling. And he finally got the hang of what his teacher meant by concentration. Jeb found that was much easier than letting your mind wander and miss the point and then have to play the game of so what. Even that game got old. And now, here he was 17 and none of his friends were in school.

Jeb wanted to quit school and to his mother used the excuse that he could earn more money to help her out. He ventured that reason one day, saying,School’s a drag. Can do more for you, Mama. Need to help. Now, there was a nice turn, Jeb thought, making his mother feel dependent. Jeb’s mother got that message, and in her mind knew she needed his help—but be dependent on a 17-year-old? She told Jeb, Good try, but don’t need your help much’s you need to be in school. That’s that! In the end, Jeb stayed in school, thinking he could get by, and keep up with the gang, too. At first, Chiefs6 gave token funding to the local gangs for their projects. The gangs got good press for a time. Since all of this was happening soon after Jeb joined the gang, the recognition was noted by Jeb’s mother and she let up on her jibes about his gang activity.

TheHighLights’ project to help Bridgeview was to keep an eye out for questionable activity and report to the police. Schedules to cover the area were made and a few out-of-line things were reported. TheHighLights’ program of police support had no more than gotten off the ground when negative publicity about the Chiefs6’s misuse of funds began to trickle down to the local gangs. John Means had been watchful about use of the grant money, and when he noticed that funds were being diverted from approved uses, he reported it to authorities. Only three of the gangs represented by the Chiefs6 were guilty, but the withdrawal of funds and the reflection of guilt carried over to the remaining gangs. Len Conner’s efforts to exonerate TheHighlights eventually brought recognition that they were not involved in improper use of their fund allocation. But the damage had already been done. The Chiefs6 project funds were withdrawn and TheHighlights’ project with the police discontinued. Along the way, Jeb’s gang had engaged in minor fundraising forays outside their program with the police. Eventhough the venture with Chiefs6 turned sour, Jeb had gotten the gang spirit. TheHighlights moved on and became a self-serving gang. As the oldest of five children, Jeb had been feeling some responsibility for his family. Their mother could hardly bring in enough from cleaning others’ houses to put food on the table. To help out, Jeb had already been lifting food and some clothing from stores for himself and his siblings. He felt good about how clever he had been not to be caught. His mother thought he had earned the money for these items through a job replenishing shelf items at a grocery. With his bent for stealing already in place, he fit in well with the gang’s need for his skill, although he was expected to perform at a higher level. The gang’s recognition of his ability to contribute made him begin to feel like a man.

Though Jeb’s gang leader, Len Conner, had been excused from guilt in the Chiefs6’s use of funds, Len was compelled to find ways to make up for the resources he had promised to his gang but did not deliver. He needed a tighter hold on the members. His first effort was to build a stronger sense of allegiance, something true of all gangs—all for one, and one for all. Before and while aligning with the Chiefs6, TheHighLights had contented themselves with things they considered innocent fun—harassment, graffiti writing, thefts from cars, and the like. Continuing these activities outside the police protection area soon brought threats of reprisal from another gang for infringement on its territory. Len Conner knew TheHighlights had to be more aggressive. One good thing he thought they had learned on the Chiefs6 project was how police went about their responsibilities. This insight, Len Conner reasoned, could be used to advantage in stepping up their level of robberies and assaults. In venturing into the real world of crime, Len assured his gang that they could protect their territory and make real money. To move ahead in this mode, Len established more rigid dress codes and penalties for deviating. Jeb had to wear the brown and gold cap and jacket with the gang’s patch of fire somewhat symbolic of highlighting. Plus, he had to rat on others. Ratting on others was not Jeb, but to keep his good standing he could figure out little things to report that didn’t make much difference even to the person on whom he reported.

Long hair was a requirement, along with wearing the prescribed clothes. Jeb got excused from wearing the cap and jacket when he was at school, but the cost of any other misstep was some physical penalty like cigarette burns for the cap. Not wearing the jacket brought more painful punishment. Jeb felt he could take any pain dealt out without too much stress, so long as it didn’t show. He didn’t want any evidence his mother would see. The penalties varied. He thought that placing a hot iron on the buttocks of his friend, Walt, was excessive—an evaluation he dared not express.

To benefit the gang, each member had to initiate projects designed to bring in sizable money contributions. Opportunities to harass or be disruptive were also encouraged. For these, special credits and bragging rights were earned to promote the gang spirit. To meet increasing levels of expectation, robberies at banks or other places of higher risk—compared to gas stations—made it necessary to co-opt areas of other gangs. A violent response to such infringement needed to be effectively countered, of course. Jeb liked being with TheHighlights. Although it was difficult to balance his gang and school activity, the gang’s activity was flexible enough for him towork it out. The gang gave him a sense of purpose, even with the penalties meted out for deviations. He was good at devising cunning approaches to robberies and other minor criminal acts as the gang exploits heightened. He accepted that discipline was needed and tried hard to avoid being on the receiving end. The best part was that he could help his family. He liked having his brothers and sister look up to him in appreciation of his largesse.

The money helped, but even so, his mother regretted what was going on and had concerns for Jeb’s younger brothers. She didn’t want them to follow suit, although since he was never there she hoped they didn’t think much about it. She confronted Jeb:

Just look at you! Long hair, like a girl’s. Surprised they let you in school. And I don’t know what you’re doin’ to get the money you hand to me with a smile, sayin’ nothing. Don’t like your makin’ your ‘generosity’ a big thing with your brothers and sister.

Jeb just shrugged and left, understanding at some level what his mother meant. Jeb was thankful that the more risky exploits he had been a part of had been pulled off smoothly. He had little interest, actually, in the competition between gangs. And although the higher risk robberies worried him, he enjoyed his share of the money. The gang had changed from the one he joined. Each success led to more hazardous exploits. He began to question the gang’s growing emphasis on how their activities reflected back on it. He went along but knew the purpose was to earn notoriety for the gang. He saw that the way they dressed and other evidences of allegiance were imposed more and more for control rather than for mutuality. He kept these thoughts to himself as he continued to pull his weight with the gang.

At school, Jeb was able to make it almost as well as before he joined the gang, even though he missed more classes. In keeping both things going, at least he wasn’t as bored. He didn’t have time to think about how it was all adding up. One good thing about school was this girl he kept seeing in the hall. He made it a point to learn her name, but he hadn’t yet struck up a conversation. Like him, she was always in a hurry to be somewhere. Maybe he could attract her attention somehow.

Sadie Graber

Sadie Graber joined her friends, Delia and Jodie, at Wendy’s after a trying Tuesday at Bridgeview High School in the spring of 1967. They were all in their second year. The urge to be different was strong. The school had regulations for how students could dress, but students were pushing the limits with the increasing acceptance of mini skirts, jeans, boots and other attire outside the school environment. Sadie wore above-the-knee flared skirts, as a rule, as did many other students. Since mini skirts and jeans were forbidden, shorter flared skirts were the compromise but were never permitted to show more than half the upper leg. This day Sadie’s flared skirt pushed the limit of her mother’s prescribed length of no more than three inches above her knee. Jodie was wearing a soft blue shift the same length as Sadie’s, and Delia had on a pleated skirt that was also above the school’s upper limit in length. Delia’s mother had given in to a plea for boots, which Delia wore proudly. The three friends talked a lot about clothes, even though none could claim much variety in her own. They wore very well the few choices in their closets. Part of this was due to keeping close checks on each other. Their part-time jobs helped to add a few extra items, too. Sadie worked at odd jobs at a drug store after school. Recently she had noticed this boy eyeing her in school. She didn’t yet know his name, but all of this got in the way of learning Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address for history. She now had not only to learn the address but also to write an essay about it. Her teacher, Mrs. Crawley, hadn’t said how long her essay should be. Sadie convinced herself that to write a paragraph would be enough. She told Delia and Jodie as they entered Wendy’s that she felt buried with all that she had going on: I wonder if that dumb teacher knows I’m thinkin’ this’s my last year. Today only gets me closer to quittin’. Why’d she load me down? Just can’t do it.

Delia, also in Sadie’s class, remembered enough to get by after spending most of the night trying to memorize the address. Her father was out of work and her mother cleaned homes for people in Oak Lawn. Oak Lawn was an up-scale suburb and even though it added a half-hour on the bus, her mother made the trip because she could make more money. Delia did odd jobs for a family that had a home business two or three blocks away. Delia’s mother wouldn’t let her drop out of school because, You have to stay in school. Get that little piece of paper. That’s all people want to see if they gonna hire you for decent pay. Borrowing a page from her mother’s book, Delia advised Sadie, Now, girl, no use talking that way. Maybe Mrs. Crawley knows more’n you think. Like a lot of us, you do take advantage. My mama’s always after me to graduate. Have to try—for her sake. Not sure I can make it. Be a cinch if I had your smarts.

Sadie heard Delia and glanced at Jodie with an expression of, That ole tune again! Jodie, surprising Sadie, took Delia’s side, What’s fair in blamin’ Mrs. Crawley? Look, let me go over Lincoln’s speech with you. I’ll read and you think ‘bout it—what you can say. Curious Delia, wondering how Jodie would deal with Sadie, just watched. Jodie made Sadie listen to the speech, kicking her feet under the table when her mind seemed to wander. Now, what’s it say? Jodie asked, when she reached the end. After a quiet moment, Sadie acknowledged, Never thought the speech meant much. Only one word after ‘nother. That’s what it was, just words. So, what’s the speech mean? Jodie prompted. Delia listened to all of this and was impressed with how Jodie got Sadie’s attention. Don’t know, Jodie, Sadie replied.

Delia broke in as though the question was directed to her, Just remembered. My mama talks ‘bout her mama’s grandma—a slave. Mama never talks about how hard she works—only ‘bout how good ‘tis not to be, like, owned by somebody. Bein’ in school’s better’n not having a life of your own, she says. Don’t know how many times I’ve heard her say,’ Stay in school. You’ll see.’

My mama talks that way, too. Why’s that? Sadie asked. Sadie just then had a flash of insight from reading Mr. Lincoln’s address. She couldn’t put it all together, but there was a sense of being part of something that reaches way back. Answering her own question, Sadie reflected, That speech—given over a hundr’d years ago. Sure not equal yet. Thinking out loud, Delia remembered Mrs. Crawley’s view that Lincoln’s speech had to do with things going on right now: Mrs. Crawley says that’swhat Martin Luther King’s working for without fighting. We’re not slaves, but not sure how better off we are. That’s why Mama’s strong ‘bout school. Says ours’s not the best school; not the worst, either. Got to use chances we got. Jodie liked Delia’s musings and thought that maybe she and Delia could make sense to Sadie.

Sadie had been quiet, processing her own new views of Lincoln’s speech. Maybe it wasn’t as off the wall as she had thought. Sadie admitted to Jodie, It’s beginnin’ to mean something. Have some new thoughts ‘bout it, but help me get the words in my head, Jodie. At that, Delia went her way, knowing that her own thoughts were still a muddle.

Jodie went through the address, sentence by sentence, with Sadie. Sadie, now aware of the speech’s flow felt before long that she could finish on her own.

Sadie smiled as she handed her paper to Mrs. Crawley. Mostly, it meant that the assignment was not so much of a chore as she had thought. Even so, Sadie’s general idea about school had not changed.

Sadie had an older sister, two younger brothers, and a younger sister. Her older sister, Jennie, lived at home with the baby she had her sophomore year in high school. The father who also avoided a couple of his other children wasn’t in the picture. How could he choose, and how could he support all of them? Best not to show—nor did Jennie want him to. Sadie’s father drank a lot so couldn’t hold a steady job and didn’t always come home. By dovetailing Jennie’s and their mother’s work schedule, Sadie’s school hours, and care for Jennie’s baby and the younger kids, they got by. Jennie told Sadie she’d better watch out and not make the mistake she did. Still,

Sadie knew Jennie didn’t come home every night. And it was interesting, Sadie thought, that while Jennie wanted to go back to school, she would just as soon quit.

Surprisingly. Sadie met her student of interest, Jeb, not at school but one Saturday afternoon when she was about to enter the drug store. There he was, and he saw her, too. He approached her with, Hey, there. Seen you before. Where?

Sadie’s response was a little coy, Really? Can’t remember. Know we have—at school. Go to Bridgeview, don’t you? Jeb asked. Yeah, but don’t think I know you, Sadie responded in truth, though not admitting how aware she was of him.

Jeb continued, Can’t remember we ever talked—but I’ve wanted to. He was pleased with his answer and Sadie was, too, he noticed. So Jeb continued, Can we catch up on lost time?

Jeb suggested more than Sadie expected but she remained low key, saying,

Shouldn’t we know our names first? I’m Sadie Graber.

Nice name, Sadie. Mine’s Jeb Jagger. Jeb offered. Like to get to know you. How ‘bout Wendy’s some time?

Sure, Sadie volunteered, simply.

Glad ‘bout that. Next Tuesday after school? Say, ‘round 3:30? Jeb suggested, eager but not wanting to move too fast.

Good time for me. Will be there, Sadie confirmed, adding, Have a job here at the drug store and need to get to work. See you next week. For sure, Jeb promised.

Jeb had seen girls since he’d joined the gang. That was one of the things the gang liked to brag about. There were always girls at Maurie’s, but Sadie was different. To be one of the gang, you had to be a man. The days would go slow.

Jeb and Sadie

The following Tuesday, Jeb Jagger had downed one Pepsi at Wendy’s before Sadie Graber came through the door and looked around for him. Damned if she’s as pretty a picture’s a guy could want, Jeb thought to himself as he waved his hand. But as she approached, he said—with pretended concern, Where you been. 25 minutes late, a safe admonition since he’d been 10 minutes late.

Really sorry, Sadie was breathless, adding, Fraid you’d give up. OK this time. Gotta change your ways, Jeb teased. Have a seat. Say what you want.

Sadie had a Pepsi. She’d be going home for supper. Jeb had a burger. He’d be on a gang project.

Sadie explained she was late because, Had to do a lesson over for Mrs. Crawley. Had her?

Yeah. Made out, Jeb replied indifferently.

Wouldn’t you know? Had to go over it with her, Sadie began, and continued, Didn’t memorize somethin’. So had to write ‘bout it. Jodie—you’ve prob’ly seen her—got me over the mem’ry part. Passed with luck. Had to stay to get the word on my no-good writin’. Really sorry.What’d she say? Jeb asked, thinking that gang life had made school look pretty dull. He hadn’t talked one-on-one with a teacher for a long time. Sadie was still unbelieving, but not wanting to brag, said, Can’t b’lieve it. Gave a gift—a ‘B’. Told me the paper’s short, but she liked what it said. Never been told that. Maybe Mrs. Crawley’s not so down on me. Have to tell Jodie and Delia. What’s with you?

Jeb had wondered but hadn’t decided what he would say about his being in a gang. He paused before saying off-handedly, Been busy. Do odd things here and there, mostly after school. Live with my mom and three brothers and a sister. Try to help my mom. Man, she works hard! Mine, too. Got two brothers and two sisters, Sadie commented. Like your jacket. Looks special. Is it?

This question caught Jeb short. He didn’t wear gang garb to school and wondered why he put this jacket on before meeting Sadie. He didn’t want to tell about the gang—yet. Cautiously, he began, In a group that wears same things. Jeb didn’t want to explain any further and believed Sadie was satisfied with that, although for her part she thought there must be more to it. No need to ask more questions, she thought, since he for sure had said all he was going to say about that. Jeb changed the subject, omitting the crime, and explained: Group’s taken part in a couple a protests. Nothin’ serious. Us blacks get blamed when whites’re at fault. Gotta stop. Sadie could see Jeb was getting worked up. She agreed with him, but not wanting to add anything more, she simply responded, Sure know ‘bout that. See a lot of put-downs. Be blind not to. Sadie raised more questions about Jeb’s family. They talked non-stop for an hour. Jeb wondered if they could meet again next Tuesday and Sadie wanted to. Looking at the time each motioned a smiling so long as they went their ways.

Sadie and Jeb met two or three more times at Wendy’s. While walking in a nearby park, they sat down on a bench to talk. Jeb tried to go slow, but he liked Sadie and wanted more. After some heavy petting, which Jeb was sure Sadie enjoyed, Jeb proposed, Let’s go to my friend’s apartment. Sadie’s sister’s plight flashed to her mind, but she played along a little, saying, Do you have in mind what I think you have?

Maybe, Jeb answered. What you think’s in my mind?

Sadie responded crisply, Not to watch TV.

Jeb countered, That’d be OK. Come on, you know what’s next.

Yeah, know what you think’s next. Girls get in trouble. Happened to my sister. Guys don’t hang ‘round after that. Let’s just enjoy each other—like we have. Can’t we? Sadie asked.

Jeb admitted, Not enough for me.

That’s all for us? Sadie asked, feeling confused at this point. And Jeb, not used to hesitation, asked in turn, What more’s there? Sadie’s comment was decisive. Means we won’t be gettin’ together again.

Jeb was impatient with Sadie: Dammed if you ain’t stubborn. You know I like you. Want you for my girl in every way.

The emphasis he put on in every way meant to Sadie that he otherwise wasn’t going to go along. Jeb was even surprised with himself that he had not just taken full advantage of Sadie as he had with other girls. Yet, he knew that something special about Sadie made him not want to give up altogether. He went on, Don’t know why it’s either-or. Foolish. That word surprised Jeb, one he couldn’t ever remember saying. He quickly followed with, "Do want to see more of you. You got to know it." Sadie acknowledged that she would like to see Jeb, too—on her terms. In the end, they did agree to see each other again.

Later, as they had arranged, Jeb saw Sadie at her home to get acquainted with her family. They went to movies or school games—sometimes, just walked. Sadie also got to Jeb’s home and met his family. Their mothers had a lot in common. Neither of their fathers had been around much. Sadie saw her father once in a while but Jeb’s had just passed out of the scene. Sadie and Jeb grew closer. One day Sadie did visit Jeb at his friend’s apartment, having come to terms with her concern by protecting herself.

Chapter Two :

Jeb and Sadie : Finding Direction?

1968

Jeb’s special role in the gang was robberies. He was gaining confidence in his ability to avoid getting caught. He liked the thumbs up he got. That almost made up for his growing dissatisfaction with the gang’s shifting focus. The sense of being a specialist in his craft built Jeb’s ego, in spite of himself. On one of Sadie’s and Jeb’s recent outings, he gave her a jeweled pin that he had not passed on through an outlet of the gang that took care of the loot. Sadie had said she would treasure it, but she had not worn it because it was too nice for her to be comfortable with. Her family and friends would want to know how she had gotten it. How safe would she be wearing it? She wondered how Jeb had gotten it. Somehow, all of this didn’t fit. Jeb was pleased that Sadie liked the pin. He had thought a lot about whether to fence it or give it to Sadie. But the way her eyes lit up when he gave it to her made him glad that he was able to give up the nice sum he kissed goodbye.

Sadie was more confused than ever. She did really like Jeb. But he sure hadn’t given her any idea about how he could have gotten that pin. He wasn’t leveling with her. Maybe she should go a little slower. She was completing her sophomore year, and found it difficult to take stock of her crowded 16 years. She had started the year thinking school was a heavydrag and that this would be her last one. But she felt she was at last getting the hang of it and didn’t feel compelled to drop out. As time moved on, Jeb had become someone she could count on. Now she wasn’t too sure. Something was amiss. Well, she’d have the summer to work it out. This was no time to make a final decision about either school or Jeb. But she would surely push Jeb to own up.

One day after Sadie got home from school, her mother confronted her. Sadie, you’re not yourself. Worried ‘bout you. Is it school, or is it that Jeb? Jeb’s takin’ advantage? You in trouble?

Sadie replied, No, Mama, not the way you’re thinkin’. I’m careful. Well, don’t like what you just owned up to. You know that. Hope you’re sure. Don’t need two girls gettin’ tied down.

B’lieve me. Don’t want to. Jeb’s pushing me, gotta admit. Thought I’d quit school after this year. Now, I kinda like it. Mrs. Crawley’s helping me see that. Says I can make it—if I want to. Just mixed up. Hope you stay in school, her mother said, honestly, continuing, Jennie says you’re the smart one. With that, her mother went back to the kitchen to finish fixing the chicken soup for their supper.

Jeb’s gang activity continued through the coming weeks with more involvement in riots. Jeb got more concerned about the problems of blacks. He undertook robberies less often. He was under considerable surveillance by now, he knew. The robberies he did were done around racial uprisings-police couldn’t be everywhere. He preferred to take part in the riots because there was more purpose, as he saw it.

During the summer, Jeb and Sadie saw each other when they found time around all of their involvements. Sadie now worked at a