Dear Editor:
Once upon a time in a city known for its wealth and radiant display of flowers on New Year’s Day…
A very special parade was held in Pasadena, California and they had a Queen and called her the Rose Queen for the world to see. She even had a royal court to accompany her.
What a sight to see! Little girls, sitting along the parade route. Their eyes would twinkle with joy as the Queen passed with her royal court hoping that one day, they would be the queen on that special day for the world to see.
In 1958 a stain of shame fell upon the Rose Parade one little girl would grow up to be chosen the Queen but evil people said “No It can’t be.”
WHY ? Because you are not white.”
The shame was hidden for 56 years, the local paper Pasadena Weekly
exposed the scar of the past.
The mayor and other elected made an effort to correct this injustice.
The Mayor Bill Bogaard offered her a ride on a float. This New Year of 2015
Bill Flynn the executive director of the Tournament of Roses Association Proclaimed “Were pleased to have Mrs. Williams in the 126th Tournament of Rose parade”.
This year parade theme was “Inspiring Stories”
The day of the parade, with the media from all over the world sharing various inspiring stories, except the story of Mrs. Joan Williams.
Those that knew the story and attended the parade asked where is the justice…..to be continued.
Ralph Walker