"Tracy was a White girl who was on our track team. She invited me and Vonda, another Black girl to a party of classmates were having in the woods.
"Not knowing the party's location we followed two boys. All of a sudden the car in front pulled over and stopped. The two boys got out and signaled to Tracy to come to their car.
"Whatever was transpiring in front of Vonda and me was not pleasant as we could see Tracy getting angry.
"When Tracy returned she said, 'they don't want two Black girls at the party.'
"What? I asked. If they don't want us at the party then take us home.
"Tracy was furious. I'll tell you what we can and will do about it. We are goin to this damn party, whether they like it or not!
Soon after we arrived at the party.
Photos courtesy Unsplash
There was a bonfire and a lot of beer. We joined in and nobody mentioned anything about Vonda and me being there. We had a great time.
"On the way home I chided myself for my first reaction to the boys' rejection. I was going to capitulate and I had to decide to fight not flight.
"THAT DAY IN THAT CAR, I LEARNED THAT UNLESS YOU'RE WILLING TO STAND UP FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IS RIGHT, THINGs ARE NEVER GOING TO CHANGE."
Carmen Best, Seattle Chief of Police (Ret.)
Photo courtesy of KPIC