Good Question

It was a normal Sunday lunch at the newest favorite Mexican food restaurant in small town USA. Church had been good, and the long drive home lay ahead of us, but for the moment, the food was good, the conversation lively, and the people wonderful.

In the middle of three generations talking about various things that matter, the lad across the table looked at me and asked, "Why do you work with Black farmers?" The question took me by surprise. Didn't know he was listening. After all, he did have a new, cool book to look at. Sometimes he's just that way, asking questions and making comments that seem beyond his years. Still, what are the words that can be used to say "discrimination, foreclosures, unequal treatment by comparison to 'similary situated white farmers,' and racism in America," especially if you're talking to a seven year old?

"Because they've been mistreated," I replied to him. He seemed satisfied. Knowing this little guy, he's probably going to come back some day and ask, "What do you mean by 'mistreated?'" That will lead to more conversations about things that matter.

Who knows. Maybe he'll grow up to advocate on behalf of Black farmers and other important matters. I hope so.