Guest: Mom and 'Aunt' Billie became best friends. Race wasn't an issue
At the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, we are working on a tribute concert to the late Clara Luper. The civil rights leader accomplished so much in her lifetime, and this May would have been her 100th birthday.
While doing research on Mrs. Luper, I began thinking of her bravery, as well as those children with her who participated in the initial sit-ins back in the summer of 1958.
And then I remembered another summer, not so long ago.
The last summer of the 1960s was unlike any other. As a 5-year-old boy from a small town, my world was rather isolated. My days consisted of playing outside with friends Arlene, Gerry and James, listening to The Mamas & The Papas and Nancy Sinatra records with my teenage sister, and shopping with Mom at Edmond Plaza TG&Y on weekends.
It was a good life. A great childhood.
But somewhere between the moon landing in July 1969 and my first day of school in August, Mom became a single mother.
She left behind the cookie baking, ironing and housework for a job in Oklahoma City. On her first day, she met a lady destined to become one of her best friends ― my “Aunt” Billie. Together they laughed and lunched, and enjoyed a newfound friendship.
Race was never an issue, but on occasion bigotry reared its head.
“On Friday, we used to treat ourselves to lunch at Ann’s Chicken Fry House,” Mom has said. “I remember once, a hateful blonde waitress took my order, but didn’t want to take Billie’s. I told her she was my friend, and if she didn’t take her order, she didn’t need to take mine and we would go elsewhere for lunch.”
And Aunt Billie fiercely returned the camaraderie.
Through the years, Mom and Aunt Billie stayed in touch, through graduations and grandchildren, retirement and senior life.
On Mom’s 89th birthday, I phoned Aunt Billie and told her I was having a small get-together at my house. When she arrived, Aunt Billie opened the front door and with a hearty laugh, said, “Where is that old hussy?”
They sat for hours in my living room and talked over old times, former co-workers and bosses and picked up like no time had passed. Because that’s the way it is with old friends.
I was so fortunate to have been raised by a mother who taught me about equality. Besides Aunt Billie, there’s my “Aunt” Janette and so many others I have come to know and love. I would have missed so many wonderful moments and people had bigotry clouded my world.
Mrs. Luper’s work changed so many lives and set a path forward for friendships like Mom's and Aunt Billie's.
We need more people like them.
Mark K. Beutler is director of marketing and public relations for the Oklahoma City Philharmonic.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Guest: Mom and 'Aunt' Billie became best friends. Race wasn't an issue
